According to Sky Sports, Celtic are still in ongoing talks to sign Royal Antwerp defender Aurelio Buta but are now 'preparing' a fresh £4.5m bid for his services.

The Lowdown: Hoops in Buta discussions...

After agreeing a deal to sign Carl Starfelt from Rubin Kazan, Celtic have since been in talks over a move for Buta as Fabrizio Romano first reported last month (Twitter).

The 24-year-old speedster has been the subject of heavy interest from Ange Postecoglou's side for nearly a month with even more new signings being confirmed since they first entered negotiations.

Indeed, Joe Hart and James McCarthy have come through the Parkhead door in that time, but Sky have now brought news of Celtic's unwavering determination to land Buta.

The Latest: Celtic plot fresh £4.5m offer...

As per the reliable broadcast giant, Celtic are believed to be preparing a new bid of around £4.5m to finally secure his services this summer.

However, as explained, Antwerp may value him at an even higher price and that could force The Bhoys to turn to alternative full-back targets.

Talks remain ongoing over Buta with new boss Postecoglou fully expecting more arrivals through the door.

Sky reiterate that, if these discussions end unsuccessfully, Celtic hold an interest in Croatian right-back Josip Juranovic but could face stiff competition from abroad.

The Verdict: Move on?

Buta can play a variety of roles out wide, having been deployed at both right-back and right-midfield in his career, but Antwerp's stubbornness in talks could mean Celtic should consider moving on - especially if they don't accept a possible £4.5m offer.

The Portugal youth international, on a reported £234,000-per-year salary at the Bosuilstadion (Salary Sport), made 19 Jupiler Pro League appearances last campaign and bagged three assists from out wide (Transfermarkt).

While his versatility and attacking threat could prove a useful asset for Postecoglou, he arguably isn't worth breaking the bank for either.

In other news: Celtic in talks to sign yet another defender, this time from the Premier League...find out more here.