No Celtic encouragement for Toulouse on Welsh move but Jullien’s a different story

French Ligue 1 side Toulouse have made an approach to Celtic to sign our Scotland Under 21 captain Stephen Welsh but have not been given any encouragement from Celtic. The defender, who started in the 2-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday, is part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans for the new season and last year signed a new, long term contract at the club.

Perhaps Celtic should alert Toulouse to the availability of Christopher Jullien, who Celtic bought from Toulouse for £7m in July 2019. The Frenchman was out injured for over a year after colliding with a goalpost and has been unable to force his way back into the Celtic side under the Australian manager.

Earlier this month it looked like he was heading to Schalke in Germany but a deal could not be reached between the player and the club on personal terms. That though was conformation that Celtic would be prepared to offload the defender and his old club Toulouse might just be the perfect destination.

Earlier today Sky Sports News reported that Toulouse’s enquiry to Celtic for a central defender was actually for Stephen Welsh, rather than Christopher Jullien. Anthony Jospeh, writing on the Sky Sports website, reported that the Ligue 1 side are interested in signing the Scotland U21 international.

Joseph revealed: ‘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.’