Reliable journalist confirms MLS transfer approaches for Celtic man

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Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has received transfer approaches from clubs in the MLS, according to reliable journalist Mark Hendry.

And the reporter believes we could see some movement regarding the defender’s future later this week.

The 22-year-old has been subject to transfer interest in the past after rising through the club’s academy and into the first-team squad.

European clubs such as Toulouse and Udinese have previously made loan approaches for the Scotland under-21 international, which have been turned down by the Hoops.

Earlier today, it was also reported that Croatian team Hajduk Split were now monitoring the defender’s current situation at Parkhead in the January transfer window.

Reliable reporter Mark Hendry was today asked if he had any insight on potential moves for Welsh in the coming weeks.

Writing on the Football Scotland transfer Q&A blog, the journalist confirmed that the centre-back had received transfer approaches from clubs in the MLS.

Hendry also stated that he expects there to be more movement regarding Welsh’s future later this week, with several clubs appearing to line up their interest.

He said [Football Scotland blog]: “I’d be surprised, honestly, if Welsh stuck around beyond January. Its obvious Postecoglou likes him, but with the other options ahead of him it’s not looking good for his future in Glasgow.

“There have been approaches from clubs in MLS, and I expect there to be more movement later in the week.

“I did read about Hajduk Split, but there’s been nothing clear-cut on that link so far, as far as I’m aware, anyway.”

Stephen Welsh’s Celtic future could be resolved in January with short-term regular game time unlikely.

It will certainly have been a frustrating few months for Stephen Welsh at Celtic Park, given his lack of game time and injury issues.

Unfortunately for the club academy graduate, minutes for the first team are starting to look more unlikely, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Mortiz Jenz ahead of him in the pecking order.

Yuki Kobayashi has already featured on the bench twice for the Hoops, and new arrival Tomoki Iwata offers another option in defence with his versatility.

So, Welsh arguably faces an uphill battle to get back in contention for Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

It appears his future should become more clear later this week if Hendry’s reports are to be believed, with more interest expected to arrive.

Interestingly, it appears Welsh has already received some transfer approaches from the US. However, you would imagine he is keen to keep playing in Europe.

As mentioned, several clubs from across the continent have showcased interest previously and could do so again in the January window.

Postecoglou and the Celtic hierarchy certainly have a decision to make when it comes to the Scotsman’s future in the coming weeks.

But we should hopefully find out more later in the week.

In other news, “Should be ready straight away”; Daizen Maeda sounds excited about Celtic transfer move.