CELTIC boss Ronny Deila is keeping tabs on Croatian midfielder Ljuban Crepulja.
The 22-year-old, who plays for Slaven Belupo in the nation’s top flight, is the latest talent from the Eastern European market to be linked with the Hoops.
Central defender Jozo Simunovic arrived from Dinamo Zabreb at the start of the season and Serbian centre-half Aleksandar Pantic was watched by Deila in Eibar’s 4-0 success over Real Betis at the weekend.
HJK Rijeka midfielder Ivan Mocinic is also on the champions’ radar.
Crepulja caught the attention of Parkhead scouts while Mocinic was being assessed again during a 1-1 draw against Slaven just before the turn of the year.
Fulham and Blackburn have also watched the defensive midfielder.
Crepulja’s contract expires in the summer and he is keen for a move to the UK.
He could be signed for a fee of around £400,000 just now or on a pre-contract agreement to arrive in the summer.
Celtic have other options for the same position at a similar price, with Norwegian kid Kristoffer Ajer currently on a week-long trial at Lennoxtown.
His Norwegian club, IK Start, could be persuaded to sell for around £500,000.
