Christopher Jullien and the Celtic transfer exit intricacies as Parkhead windfall caveat added to Schalke contract

Christopher Jullien is close to joining Schalke as Celtic now step-up the pursuit of a new central defender.

The Frenchman has moved to the brink of sealing a loan move out of Glasgow to the Bundesliga after travelling to Germany for medical tests. Jullien was unable to force his way into the plans of boss Ange Postecoglou last term after returning from a long-term knee injury.

The 29-year-old is set to sign a temporary agreement with a contract clause understood to mean Celtic can command a fee next summer if that is transformed into a permanent agreement. Jullien cost the club £7 million when moving from Toulouse three years ago and made a smart initial impact, but injury meant he was on the sidelines when the Aussie arrived and he was subsequently unable to disrupt the Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt partnership.

With Stephen Welsh left as the only recognised top-team centre-back alongside the American and the Swede, Postecoglou needs reinforcements.

The manager is methodically building the squad ahead of the new campaign with the players heading to Austria next week for pre-season training.

Argentine defender Alexandro Bernabei is set to join the group with his £3.75 million deal agreed with club Lanus.

Portuguese winger Jota is also due to sign a four-year contract as negotiations have been completed with Benfica over a permanent transfer.

Postecoglou has already transferred loans for Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda into permanent deals with keeper Benjamin Siegriust also signed on a free.

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