Celtic have decided not to send defender Stephen Welsh on loan to Udinese having been considering a shock loan move to Italy.
The Scottish Daily Mail reported on Saturday (08/01, back page) that Udinese had made a shock approach for Welsh.
Udinese wanted to take Welsh on loan for the rest of the season with a view to signing him permanently in the summer.
However, Celtic have decided to reject the bid, believing Welsh is an important part of Ange Postecoglou’s squad at Parkhead.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt need competition, and Welsh can offer that as Christopher Jullien ramps up his return.
Welsh, 21, emerged into the Celtic first team last season, making 16 league appearances.
Welsh has now played 19 times in all competitions this season, continuing his development under Postecoglou.
A move to Italy would have been bizarre for Welsh, but this seems to be a trend.
Bologna signed Aaron Hickey from Hearts in 2020, and are now being linked with Aberdeen’s Calvin Ramsay too.
Scottish talents seem to be appealing to Italian sides at the moment, but Celtic aren’t minded to let Welsh leave for Udinese this month.
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