Celtic are still interested in signing Hajduk Split midfielder Jani Atanasov before deadline day, according to a new transfer update from Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Atanasov profiled

The 22-year-old has matured into a key figure for his current club, making 60 appearances to date and chipping in with five goals from his defensive midfield role.

Atanasov has also won one cap for North Macedonia, being rewarded for his club form, and he has been linked with a move to Celtic numerous times in recent days, including by reliable journalist Anthony Joseph on Twitter.

A fresh update now suggests that the Hoops' interest isn't going away, and they could take it right up until September 1's deadline.

The Latest: Celtic linked with move

According to Sky Sports, sharing an update on Sead Hakšabanović, Celtic are also 'interested' in acquiring Atanasov's signature this month as a replacement for Nir Bitton, with Ange Posteocoglou insistent that he will only move for the 'right player'.

The youngster's current deal expires next summer, so Split could be eager to let him go before losing him on a free transfer, potentially putting the Hoops in a strong bargaining position.

The Verdict: Filling the Bitton void

Tom Rogic and Bitton's exits at the end of last season were an undoubted blow for Celtic, and it looks like we're about to see replacements for the pair in the shape of Hakšabanović and Atanasov.

The signing of the latter could add crucial depth ahead of the start of European football, with the experienced heads of Aaron Mooy and Callum McGregor unlikely to be capable of 90 minutes week in week out when the extra matches kick in.

It's impossible to truly know how Atanasov would transition to life in Glasgow, but Ange has proven to have a keen eye for talent in his tenure so far and should be trusted to get this one right as well.