Celtic summer transfer target Gvidas Gineitis has admitted to a difficult period at Torino, raising fresh questions about his future ahead of the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old Lithuania international remained in Italy after Celtic failed to reach an agreement with Torino during the closing stages of the summer window.

Gineitis had been identified as a midfield target by Martin O’Neill’s side, with the Hoops making several attempts to secure his signature.

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However, the midfielder has struggled for regular opportunities under Torino manager Ignazio Abate this season.

He was introduced in the 55th minute of Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Como, having once again been left out of the starting eleven.

Speaking to Italian media afterwards via Daily Record, Gineitis admitted the past few months had been challenging.

“These haven’t been the best months of my life, but I’ve always trained.”

The midfielder added that he wanted to play more regularly but recognised that the final decision rested with his manager.

Gineitis also discussed changes to Torino’s playing style under Abate, who has encouraged his players to retain possession rather than move the ball forward as quickly as they did last season.

CeltsAreHere reported extensively on Celtic’s pursuit of Gineitis during the summer.

“Yes, people from Celtic have been in contact with me, but there was no offer yet,” he explained at the time.

The situation developed considerably towards the end of August, with Celtic subsequently making formal attempts to sign the midfielder.

Torino rejected that proposal before indicating they would consider a package closer to €8million, alongside a sell-on clause.

No improved offer was submitted that met those terms, and personal terms were never agreed.

Vinokurov subsequently told Lithuanian broadcaster LRT that Celtic’s coaching staff had been enthusiastic about the prospect of signing Gineitis.

However, he suggested that the wider decision-making process at the club had also played a part in the deal failing to materialise.

The midfielder’s limited opportunities at Torino have brought renewed attention to the possibility of Celtic revisiting their summer interest.

Gineitis has previously spoken positively about the prospect of playing for Celtic, but that does not necessarily mean a January transfer is close.

CeltsAreHere understands that a January move for Gineitis cannot be ruled out, with Martin O’Neill believed to remain a big admirer of the Lithuanian midfielder.

Although the coaching staff wanted the Lithuania international during the summer, the failure to reach an agreement demonstrated that enthusiasm alone was not enough to complete the move.

Any renewed pursuit would require Celtic to decide that Gineitis remains the right option for their midfield, alongside reaching an acceptable agreement with Torino.

The club could also consider other midfield targets ahead of January, having already explored a number of options during the summer window.

At present, there is no confirmation that Celtic have made fresh contact with Torino or reopened negotiations with the player’s representatives.

Gineitis remains under contract with the Italian club until June 2029, with Torino holding an option for a further season.

His latest comments offer an insight into his frustrations over playing time, but there is still no indication that Torino have decided to sell him or that Celtic have committed to another bid.