Celtic have rejected a second attempt by French side Toulouse too sign defender Stephen Welsh, according to Sky Sports.

The latest offer was for a season long loan with an option to buy at around £3.5m but this has been rejected as the Scotland Under 21 defender and Celtic Academy graduate is very much part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans for the new season which gets underway on Sunday when Aberdeen are the visitors to Celtic Park for the Scottish Premiership opener.

Celtic signed Christopher Jullien from Toulouse in July 2019 for a transfer fee of £7m and the defender is thought to be available for either a loan move or permanent transfer. While wages might be an issue, surely he would be a viable option for his old club if they are eager to recruit a new central defender?

Stephen Welsh Photo Steve Welsh

Welsh meanwhile is odds on to start against Aberdeen on Sunday alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of the Celtic defence after Ange Postecoglou confirmed at today’s Media Conference that Carl Starfelt is a definite non-starter for the flag day opener.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Analyst has shocking update on former three-time MLB Manager of the Year
London mayor eyeing Super Bowl bid, other hosting opportunities for major sporting events if re-elected
Rome Odunze raves about Michael Penix Jr. ahead of draft
Jimmy Butler trolls Celtics after Game 2 win: 'Don't let us get one'
Heat play 'Herro ball' to stun Celtics in Game 2
Lions extension makes Amon-Ra St. Brown the NFL's highest-paid receiver
Brad Marchand gets winner as Bruins beat Leafs to go up 2-1 in series
Reigning Cy Young winner's disastrous 2024 continues
Timberwolves C overcomes long odds, wins Sixth Man of the Year
Watch: Aaron Judge passes Derek Jeter on Yankees all-time home run list
Why it makes sense that the Steelers declined QB Justin Fields' fifth-year option
Heisman Trust's Reggie Bush decision another sign of NCAA's diminishing power
Peyton Manning rips Jets for failing QB Zach Wilson
'Baaaadd man' Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lifts Thunder to commanding Game 2 win
Golden Knights heading home up 2-0 on Stars
Watch: Thunder G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets new playoff high
Chargers reportedly targeting this former Jim Harbaugh player in draft
Watch: The Maple Leafs turn up the physicality in Game 3 vs. Bruins
Cavaliers forward to miss rest of first-round series
Latest report provides hint on Cowboys' feelings about Ezekiel Elliott reunion

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.