McLeish: Celtic may land bargain Vuskovic deal amid latest twist

A £5.16million deal for Mario Vuskovic could represent "great value" for Celtic, according to Alex McLeish.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Rangers and Scotland defender insisted the Hoops need to add a centre-back who is capable of playing out from the back.

Croatian outlet Sprotske Novosti reported on 26 June Celtic were close to agreeing a £5.16million deal for the 19-year-old. 

However, former Rangers star-turned-agent Craig Moore told Go Radio on 7 July, via the Scottish Sun, that their interest had “gone cold”.

Celtic will be in the market for defensive reinforcements this window.

Football Insider learned on 8 July Celtic have made it clear to agents they want to secure a £15million fee for Ajer.

The Norway international has just 12 months left on his contract and has been open with his desire to leave.

Asked whether Vuskovic could be a good replacement, McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: "It could be great value.

"Celtic will have done their homework and Postecoglou may know him.

"Certainly, to bring in a young talent who's up and coming from that region, we know the Croatians and Serbians are good footballers. They're normally very, very reliable.

"If we're talking about a defender you'd think they'd know how to defend and the modern-day building out from the back. That's what every team must look for now."

Vuksovic has played 41 times across all competitions for Hadjuk Split.

He also has six Croatia Under-21 caps to his name.

In other news, Celtic could be set for a finance hit due to "fans malaise".