The deadline for Celtic to register players for their squad for the league phase of the Europa League passed on Wednesday night, but there is still time for the club to add new signings to the group.

Martin O'Neill's side ran out 3-0 winners against Aberdeen on Wednesday night, thanks to goals from Camilo Duran, Benjamin Nygren, and Hyun-jun Yang, and allowed the signings of Oliver Sorensen, Sam Johnstone, Landon Emenalo, Jordan Lotomba, and Joel van den Berg.

The Hoops are still looking for further additions to the squad, though, and were keen on a deal to sign Gvidas Gineitis from Torino before the end of the window.

They had been in talks with the Italian side over a deal for the Lithuania international, but those discussions stalled and do not look set to be revived as the midfielder is not keen on the move if he cannot be registered for the Europa League squad.

Why Celtic must sign an alternative to Gvidas Gineitis

Some supporters may question the need to go in for another midfielder after the arrival of van den Berg and Sorensen, with Mika Baur, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Benjamin Nygren at the club.

However, the Hoops have lost Arne Engels and Reo Hatate, two proven performers, in this window and van den Berg could be an option for the number ten role with Nygren, rather than being a number six or eight.

Whilst Nygren, van den Berg, and Luke McCowan could all fill in as central midfielders if needed, they may be viewed as attacking midfielders or wide options instead.

That leaves O'Neill with four natural central midfielders to cover two positions across the Scottish Premiership, the League Cup, the Europa League, and the SFA Cup.

Therefore, the Scottish giants should be looking to add another option to their ranks before the deadline to ensure that they do not end up looking short on depth throughout the campaign.

Celtic considering move for Gineitis alternative

Now, the club are said to be looking at a player who could arrive as an alternative to Gineitis and as their next version of Oxlade-Chamberlain.

According to journalist Michael Shearer, Celtic are considering a move to sign central midfielder Will Smallbone on a free transfer before the deadline.

The reporter claims that the former Southampton star, who has been a free agent since the start of July, is a player who could be of interest to the Scottish giants.

However, Shearer adds that it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops will formalise their interest in the Ireland international with an official approach to him and his representatives.

The benefit to Smallbone is that the club would not have to get a deal done before the deadline later this evening, although they may prefer to do so in order to lock in their squad for the first half of the season.

As he is a free agent, the Hoops could remain in talks and register him after the window, as they did with Oxlade-Chamberlain after the winter window earlier this year.

The former England international has already had a strong start to this season, winning 60% of his ground duels in the last two matches, and has provided solid value since his free transfer to Parkhead in February.

Celtic took advantage of his availability to land him after the window and he has made 11 appearances in the Premiership to date, offering valuable depth in the central midfield position.

Smallbone, although he is not an established top-flight performer like Gineitis, could come in to offer the same kind of midfield depth as a number six who can be reliable with the ball at his feet.

The Irishman has had a rough time with injuries in the last couple of seasons, playing ten league games last season and 18 times in the Premier League the year before that, but his form for Southampton in the 2023/24 campaign suggests that he has quality to offer.

Smallbone completed 90% of his attempted passes and created eight 'big chances' for his side in 43 appearances to help the Saints to earn promotion to the Premier League as a central midfielder.

He may not arrive with the pedigree that Gineitis has, given that the Lithuania international was a regular starter in the Serie A last term, but his form for Saints in the past suggests that he could still be an Oxlade-Chamberlain-esque addition to the squad.