Celtic plot move to sign midfielder who could be 'the next Kvicha Kvaratskhelia'
Celtic are plotting a move to sign Astana star Ivan Basic as Martin O'Neill accelerates plans to strengthen his midfield this summer.
The 24-year-old turned in an impressive performance for Bosnia and Herzegovina as they drew 1-1 with Canada in their opening game at the World Cup.
Celtic are believed to have been long-term admirers of the midfielder and could now step up their interest if he continues to perform on the international stage.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic are doing their due dilligence on Basic with a summer move already in mind.
O'Neill sees the midfield as a key area to address in the near future, and the Astana star has been on the club's radar for a while now.
Initial concerns have been raised about the level of competition for Basic in the Khazakhstan Premier League, but Celtic could be willing to take the gamble on his talent.
This has been compared to the progress of PSG star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, who spent time moving around clubs in Georgia before being handed his big break at Napoli.
Could Celtic make a move to sign Ivan Basic?
Football Insider revealed on 23 May that Celtic are planning to back their new manager with significant funds to address key positions in the summer transfer window.
After pipping Hearts to the Premiership title on the final day of the season, Celtic hope to improve their squad so the race is not as closely fought next time out.
The addition of a new midfielder is believed to rank highly on their list of priorities, while Basic is highly regarded and they could now pursue a deal.
"Celtic have been keeping tabs on Basic for a while and will be watching him at the World Cup," Brown told Football Insider.
"They clearly want to sign a new midfielder this summer, it's probably going to be a priority for them, but it can be hard to know which markets Celtic can shop in.
"They have to think outside the box a bit, because they can't compete with Premier League or a lot of European clubs for these top players.
"Basic is playing in Khazakhstan at the moment, which on the face of it might be a bit of a concern because it's not a very high level of football to judge a player on.
"But then you look at somebody like Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, he spent a large spell of his career in Georgia before moving to Italy, and now he's one of the best in the world.
"Obiously, not every player is going to be like that, but Celtic are doing their due dilligence to assess whether Basic is ready to make a step up.
"They're putting the work in behind the scenes, and if they decide he's good enough to make a difference for them, then he could be a real strong signing."
Which other midfielders are on Celtic's radar?
Basic is not the only midfielder Celtic are looking at as they plan to strengthen in that position as part of their ambitious plans to build on their success.
A number of players are being assessed by the Hoops' recruitment team after it became clear that signing a new midfielder would be a priority for O'Neill.
Football Insider revealed on 24 May that Celtic are accelerating plans to sign BK Hacken star Silas Andersen after missing out on him during the January transfer window.
However, there are concerns that his price tag may prove too steep, with the level of interest in his signature set to dirve up any transfer fee.