Celtic: Jullien nearing Parkhead exit

Celtic defender Christopher Jullien seems to be closing in on a departure from the Parkhead outfit, as he nears a transfer to Schalke.

What’s the phrase?

As per Soccer.Scotland’s Mark Hendry, the Frenchman has flown to Germany to be able to progress negotiations with the newly-promoted Bundesliga aspect, with the membership mentioned to be in “pole place” to signal the 29-year-old.

Ought to Celtic promote Jullien?

Writing on Twitter concerning the participant’s future, the journalist said: “Christopher Jullien Celtic switch exit looms as he jets into Germany with Schalke in pole place.”

Whereas the previous Toulouse centre-back – who has only a year remaining on his present deal in Glasgow – is alleged to be attracting interest from Ligue 1 sides Lorient and Rennes, it’s believed to be Schalke who’re the frontrunners at current.

Switch guru Fabrizio Romano has additionally confirmed that the 6 foot 5 colossus is “set to signal” for Frank Kramer’s aspect, having fallen out of favour underneath Ange Postecoglou with the Previous Agency giants.

Ange will likely be buzzing

That man Postecoglou will seemingly be glad to see the again of the £4.05m-rated dud, with it having change into clear final time period that Jullien was merely not part of his plans, the defender making only a solitary cup look in all competitions, totalling solely 16 minutes.

The £20k-per-week big – who was signed on a £7m deal three years in the past – had been out for over 14 months with a knee harm previous to his return initially of 2022, though subsequently didn’t regain his beginning berth regardless of being again to full fitness.

With Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers the preferred, first-choice pairing on the coronary heart of the defence, the previous France U20 worldwide was left languishing on the sidelines, even slipping behind the likes of Stephen Welsh within the pecking order.

An exit then appeared inevitable, with it no actual shock that the Scottish Champions have opted to maneuver him on, regardless of reports he was keen to remain and battle for his place.

Not solely will that imminent departure unlock house within the Celtic squad, however it might additionally assist Postecoglou in his pursuit of one other defender, Ko Itakura.

The Japan worldwide spent final season on loan at Schalke from Manchester Metropolis, though regardless of impressing, the German outfit had been unable to afford to pay the 24-year-old’s purchase possibility, opening the door for the Hoops to pounce.

Any worries that Kramer and co might attempt to return in for the Metropolis man seem to have been ended by their pursuit of Jullien, additional growing the probabilities of Itakura making the transfer to Scotland this summer season.

Postecoglou will undoubtedly be buzzing if this impending exit can result in an thrilling new arrival.

IN different information, Deal Imminent: Celtic “very shut” to large summer season transfer, it’d be Ange’s greatest swoop but