CELTIC are reportedly mulling over a transfer approach from Belgium for defender Stephen Welsh.
The Celtic centre-back, 24, has been a target for clubs across Europe in recent years with Italian, French and Portuguese sides all credited with interest in the Scot.
The Scotland under-21 international had another campaign in and out of the Hoops team last season – blighted by injury.
Udinese and French cracks Toulouse were keen on the defender two years ago and he has also been linked with moves to Hellas Verona and Bologna in the Serie A previously.
Portuguese giants Porto were also named a shock suitors in January 2023.
But a move closer to home has been suggested in recent weeks as several clubs in the English Championship have made their intentions clear as well.
However, the first approach has been made for the defender and it’s not from down south.
In fact, Sky Sports claim it is Belgian outfit KV Mechelen who have jumped to the front of the queue with a surprise loan swoop.
Mechelen are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements following the departure of former Rangers defender David Bates this week.
The fellow Scot sealed a stunning switch to league rivals Standard Liege, where he will link up with ex-Celtic outcast Boli Bolingolinext season.
And Mechelen see Welsh as an ideal replacement for Bates, who spent two years at the club following his move from Aberdeen in 2022.
The report suggests Celtic have yet to make a decision on Welsh, who has featured regularly in pre-season for Brendan Rodgers so far.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales was the manager’s preferred defensive pairing last season but boyhood fan Welsh has been fighting for the starting spot in recent weeks.
The Hoops are currently assessing their centre-back options as it’s also suggested Rodgers is weighing up a possible move for another defender to take Scales’ place and partner in the American in the starting XI.
That would leave Welsh out-of-favour and may convince the club to let him leave on loan.
Celtic also currently have Maik Nawrocki, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Yuki Kobayashi on the books.
But it’s claimed Celtic are willing to listen to offers for both Lagerbielke and Kobayashi, hinting there could be a place in the first team for Nawrocki next season.
Our New YouTube Channel
Subscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.
We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.
Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…
MONDAY
Go Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.
WEDNESDAY
Robert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.
FRIDAY
Go Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.
Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page