Stephen Welsh is a loan target for Motherwell.
The Celtic defender has fallen way down the pecking order under Brendan Rodgers despite a decent loan spell at KV Mechelen last season.
The 25-year-old featured sparingly for Celtic across pre-season amid interest from Plymouth Argyle, who wanted Welsh on a loan.
Sadly for the centre-back, that did not come to fruition. But is a late switch to Scottish Premiership rivals Motherwell now on the cards?
Celtic and Motherwell in talks regarding Welsh loan
According to the Daily Record, Celtic and Motherwell are in talks over a season-long loan deal for Welsh.
Steelmen boss Jens Berthel Askou wants to sign the left-sided defender, who is keen to guarantee regular first-team minutes.
Journalist Scott Burns wrote: “Motherwell are in talks with Celtic over a loan for Stephen Welsh.
“Record Sport understands the Steelmen want to take the defender to Fir Park for the season, with the 25-year-old is keen to go out and get first-team football after spending last season on loan at Mechelen.
“Jens Berthel Askou wants to sign the left-sided centre half.
“Talks between the two teams are on-going and a domestic loan would also appeal to Celtic as they only have six international loan slots.”
When does Welsh’s Celtic contract expire?
Brendan Rodgers would probably prefer for Welsh to stay at Celtic as an option at centre-back in case of injuries, but he understands the Scot needs game time.
Welsh has been in the Celtic first-team since 2020 and scored his first goal for the club in a win over Motherwell a year later.
He’s played 68 games for Celtic so far, his best season probably coming under Ange Postecoglou during the 2021/22 campaign.
Welsh’s contract expires in 2027, so you would imagine another loan next summer or a permanent exit is likely.
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