Celtic’s transfer plans tested by unexpected offer

Toulouse have made a transfer enquiry to Celtic about Stephen Welsh. 

Thanks mainly to be the absence of Carl Starfelt the 22-year-old has had an impressive pre-season but the arrival of Moritz Jenz on loan from Lorient has thrown another piece into Ange Postecoglou’s transfer jigsaw. 

Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers played every minute of the SPFL Premiership matches from the turn of the year last season but that sort of good luck with injuries and suspension is far from guaranteed. 

Breaking the news this afternoon, Sky Sports reported: 

Toulouse have made an enquiry for Celtic defender Stephen Welsh. 

The Ligue 1 side are interested in signing the Scotland U21 international, who started in Celtic’s 2-0 home win over Norwich on Saturday. 

Sky Sports News understands Celtic do not want to sell the 22-year-old, as he is part of Ange Postecoglou’s first-team plans. 

In January, the Hoops knocked back a loan, with an option-to-buy, approach from Udinese for the centre-back. Welsh currently has three years left on his contract. 

Celtic would be looking for a substantial fee for Welsh who may or not be interested in leaving the club he has been with since his primary school days. 

With Starfelt out injured, Chris Jullien in the final years of his contract and Jenz just in the door on loan it would be something of a surprise if Celtic offered Toulouse any encouragement. 

Anthony Joseph seems to have strong contacts very close to Celtic’s transfer business but at the moment fans are looking more towards arrivals than departures.