Italian outlet Messaggero Veneto claim that Celtic want just £1.6million for Stephen Welsh, amid interest from Serie A side Udinese. Over the weekend, reports emerged that Celtic had rejected a loan offer for the defender.
Welsh, 21, is enjoying his most-involved season at Celtic to date, under Ange Postecoglou. Of his 41 senior appearances for the Hoops, 19 have come this season – despite the signings of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
With Chris Jullien closing in on a return to action, six-time Scotland Under-21 star Welsh might see his game time lessen. The Scottish Daily Mail reported on Saturday (08/01, back page) that Udinese had made a loan offer.
But Celtic had refused the idea of Udinese taking him, initially on loan. Now, reports emerge from Italy that Udinese are still interested – and that Celtic are willing to cash in, if they receive a permanent offer of £1.6million.
Welsh to Udinese: Celtic should be requesting more than bargain fee
Arguably, Welsh could be Celtic’s fourth-choice centre-back when Jullien returns. Carter-Vickers has been superb and while Starfelt has made mistakes, the Sweden international is likely to be given time to improve.
So, with Welsh likely to be a bit-part player – there is scope to cash in on his services in order to improve other areas. Especially, with Nir Bitton able to cover in the middle – and Liam Scales more than able to play at centre-back.
But for just £1.6million, Celtic would be making a mistake. Welsh is still young, and crucially, is a homegrown talent – important when naming a European squad. The Hoops should request more for a player Greg Taylor has labelled “superb”.
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