‘Of course it’s good’: £5.5m ace thrilled about reported Celtic interest

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Hajduk Split defender David Colina has admitted he was flattered by interest from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic during the summer transfer window, speaking to Dalmatinski Portal.

Considering Diego Laxalt was one of the few Hoops players to produce a performance they could be proud of during Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to bitter rivals Rangers, a problematic left-back spot might just have become a position of strength for the Glasgow giants.

The AC Milan loanee represents an immediate upgrade on the erratic Boli Bolingoli and, while Greg Taylor is hardly Kieran Tierney 2.0, he’s a reliable enough presence on the flank.

But when you factor in that Celtic only made an approach for Laxalt in the final 48 hours of the transfer window, it’s fair to assume he wasn’t their first choice.

And, according to Croatian publication Index, the Scottish giants made an approach for 20-year-old Colina before turning to a battle-scarred South American two months.

Neil Lennon’s side were willing to pay £2.7 million – a sizeable sum but far less than the £5.5 million Hajduk Split wanted for their Croatia youth star.

“Of course it’s good when other clubs are looking for you,” Colina said when asked about Celtic’s interest, before suggesting he is happy with life in is current home.

“My present is Hajduk and I am concentrating on Hajduk. It is nice in Split – a nice climate and a nice life.”

Sky claims Celtic will have to make Laxalt the joint-most expensive signing in their history if they want to sign the Uruguay international permanently, with Milan demanding £9 million.

It remains to be seen whether the Glasgow giants turn their attention to Colina again next year.