Celtic are ‘ready’ to offer Hadjuk Split £5m for defender Mario Vuskovic, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.

The Lowdown: Vuskovic starting to show his promise

Back in 2018, Vuskovic was included in The Guardian’s list of the 60 best young talents in world football.

Kresimir Gojun, head of the Hajduk academy, said back then that the youngster was ‘dominant in challenges’, ‘exceptional in buildup play’ and ‘can score from free-kicks like a No 10’.

Vuskovic has since broken into Hajduk Split’s first-team, racking up 44 senior appearances, 33 of which came in the 2020/21 season.

It seems as if his displays have caught the eye of Celtic, who watched the 19-year-old on multiple occasions during the previous campaign.

The Latest: Hoops readying bid

Longari posted this update on Twitter on Thursday afternoon regarding Celtic and Vuskovic, admitting talks are on.

“Celtic talks on for Mario Vuskovic from Hajduk. They are ready to offer £5M.”

Reports have suggested that Ange Postecoglou’s appointment sparked Celtic into action in the transfer window and the centre-back could end up being the Australian’s first addition as Hoops boss.

The Verdict: A statement first signing?

Should Vuskovic become Dom McKay and Postecoglou’s first signing at Parkhead, it could prove to be a big statement of intent.

A £5m move would make the Croatian the club’s 11th most expensive signing of all time.

He may well end up replacing Kris Ajer in Glasgow, who wants to leave this summer, so Vuskovic, Stephen Welsh and Christopher Jullien could be Postecoglou’s senior centre-back options.

It appears as if a deal still needs plenty of work, but it’s good to see that Celtic are ready to splash the cash ahead of the new campaign on a promising defender.

In other news: Hoops watching Scottish attacking midfielder, find out more here.