Celtic ‘approached’ by Serie A club over loan move for £3m defender as exit route emerges

Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke has emerged as a transfer target for Italian Serie A outfit Lecce – but there are ‘significant’ costs attached to any potential deal.

The Hoops centre-back is wanted by the Salento club on loan for the second half of the campaign after being deemed surplus to requirements at Parkhead – just six months on from his £3million switch from Swedish side IF Elfsborg.

Lecce manager Roberto D’Aversa wants to take Stockholm-born 23-year-old on a temporary basis according to Italian outlet DiMarzio, who claim the Scottish champions are ‘open’ to negotiations. However, the player is under contract until 2028 and earns a reported £14k, which threatens to jeopardise a January move.