Gustaf Lagerbielke Celtic exit options grow despite reaching advanced talks with Heerenveen

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Gustaf Lagerbielke continues to attract interest from elsewhere as the prospect of him exiting Celtic becomes more likely before the end of the window.

The Sweden international has struggled to nail down a place under Brendan Rodgers since joining from Elfsborg last summer, making just ten appearances across all competitions.

Lagerbielke has already admitted this summer that he would be open to a new challenge. Lecce were among his suitors this summer, but it remains to be seen whether they come to the table.

Yesterday, news broke that the Stockholm-born man has reached advanced talks with Heerenveen over a potential loan switch. The Eredivisie club now appear to be the frontrunners for his signature.

Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped other clubs from cropping up to show late interest, with competition for his services now growing as the deadline approaches.

Derby County keen on Gustaf Lagerbielke

According to The Daily Record, Derby County are the latest side to show interest in Lagerbielke, and it remains to be seen whether anything will progress on that front.

The outlet also claim that Celtic would prefer to ‘recoup’ some of their £3 million outlay for the defender rather than sending him on loan.

Despite this, Heerenveen CEO Ferry de Haan appears confident enough that his side can add the Swede to their ranks before the deadline.

He stated on the matter: “It is not a done deal yet, but we are hopeful that it will work out. With Pawel Bochniewicz and Sam Kersten, we now have two central defenders. Mateja Milovanovic is still behind them but needs some time. We want to have a good line-up in the centre of defence.”

Ultimately, it looks unlikely that Lagerbielke will have a way back at Celtic and the best course of action for his career is to allow him a move, whether that be on loan or a permanent sale.

His professionalism shown throughout some frustrating months in Glasgow has been admirable, and supporters would wish the defender well if an exit does come to fruition.

Hopefully, all parties can find a solution they are happy with so Lagerbielke can continue his development rather than stagnate by not playing at Celtic.