Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are now in ‘negotiations’ to sign Elfsborg defender Gustaf Lagerbielke in a potential £3 million deal, according to the Allsvenskan club’s sporting director.
Just last week, Stefan Andreasson was keen to point out that – while there is ‘interest’ from Celtic in his highly-rated centre-half – talks between the two clubs were yet to begin.
Since then, however, the Hoops appear to have stepped on the gas, slammed their foot onto the accelerator, with the finish line now seemingly in sight.
Following confirmation of Carl Starfelt’s move to Celta Vigo, Brendan Rodgers’ side have firmed up their interest in another Swedish international centre-half. One who will, for all intents and purposes, take Starfelt’s place in Rodgers’ backline.
Celtic close in on Gustaf Lagerbielke
Celtic, according to Expressen, have agreed a £3 million fee for Lagerbielke. The Stockholm-born 23-year-old will undergo a medical sooner rather than later.
And, in new quotes reported by Aftonbladet, Andreasson has given an update on Lagerbielke’s situation with talks between the two clubs now very much underway.
“We’ll see what happens during the evening and tomorrow,” he said on Sunday. “But we’re in negotiations. That’s how it is.”
An ‘outstanding’ talent renowned for his line-breaking passes as well as his defensive positioning, the commanding but technically-gifted Lagerbielke looks particularly well-suited to a Celtic side who tend to dominate possession in domestic fixtures; Rodgers’ centre-halves expected to operate almost as deep-lying playmakers at times.
“It’s great fun when such a big club is interested,” Lagerbielke tells Goteborgs Posten. “Yes, all players in the (Swedish) Allsvenskan dream of going to better leagues; playing in the Champions League and for big clubs.
“(Celtic) play in both the Champions League and are a very big club. It is clear that (moving there) would be very interesting. It is a big club with a lot of supporters and titles. It’s not often they buy from the Allsvenskan, and you don’t know how many such chances you get.”
Celtic beat Aberdeen 3-1 on Sunday to maintain their 100 per cent Premiership record so far.
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