Celtic face battle with Lazio to sign Ivan Mocinic as Ronny Deila rules out move for Aiden McGeady

Ronny Deila has ruled out the possibility of a swoop for Aiden McGeady, insisting the days of marquee January signings is over.

The Hoops and their manager, though, remain committed to the policy of bringing in players who can be developed then sold on for a big profit.

And the man they want is Mocinic, a 22-year-old Croatian midfielder with HNK Rijeka, who played alongside Jozo Simunovic at age level for the country.

A release clause in Mocinic’s contract means they can get him for £2.2 million – provided someone else doesn’t persuade him to move elsewhere.

Serie A side Sampdoria failed with a move for the player in the summer and had been reported to have renewed their interest.

But an insider from the Genoa club has told The Sunday Post this is NOT the case and that Mocinic is no longer in their plans.

Unfortunately for Celtic, Lazio are keen.

Their Sporting Director, Igli Tare, has been following the player for the last couple of seasons on a recommendation from former boss, Edoardo Reja, who has close contact with Croatian football from his time in charge of Hajduk Split.

With money available to spend this month, the only issue is whether they want to go for Mocinic or another target.

The player recently had surgery on a broken nose, sustained while playing tennis!