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Celtic are ready to ramp up their interest in Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur as the club looks to strengthen their options in the middle of the park. The 22-year-old has been identified by Celtic’s recruitment team as one of their main targets for the defensive midfield role, according to the Daily Record. Sigur is already a familiar name around transfer discussions. Reports in January put him on the club’s radar, although a deal was never close to completion at that stage. That interest has not disappeared. CEO Michael Nicholson is now expected to advance the Hoops’ pursuit and open talks with Hajduk Split in the coming days. A ‘significant seven-figure offer’ would be required to bring the Croatian side to the table, with Sigur also attracting attention from clubs in some of Europe’s top leagues. Celtic do have one useful connection in their favour. Sigur has 22 caps for Canada and would reportedly be keen on the prospect of joining international teammate Alistair Johnston in Glasgow. He starred alongside Johnston at the World Cup, starting in their Round of 16 clash with Morocco. Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised Sigur’s performance, calling him “outstanding.” His versatility will also appeal to Celtic. Sigur is capable of operating as a number six but can move further forward into the number eight position. He has also covered at right-back, giving Celtic another option in an area where Johnston has carried much of the responsibility. The midfield is now an obvious focus for the Scottish champions as the squad continues to change. There is ongoing uncertainty surrounding Arne Engels’ future, while Reo Hatate is also moving towards the exit after four-and-a-half years at Celtic. Mika Baur is due to travel to Glasgow after Celtic and Paderborn reached a compromise over a transfer fee; Sky Sports reports £4.5m, with a further £2.3m due in add-ons. His arrival will clear the way for Hatate’s departure. That still leaves work to be done. Sigur would offer something different to the midfield options already available, particularly with his ability to sit deeper and cover several positions when required. Celtic’s interest has been there since January. The difference now is that Nicholson is reportedly set to take it to the negotiating table. With Hajduk demanding a significant fee and other clubs watching Sigur, Celtic will have to decide quickly just how serious they are about landing one of their midfield targets.