“Exit looms…“: Mark Hendry drops big Celtic transfer update, Ange will be buzzing - opinion

Celtic defender Christopher Jullien appears to be closing in on a departure from the Parkhead outfit, as he nears a move to Schalke.

As per Football.Scotland’s Mark Hendry, the Frenchman has flown to Germany in order to progress negotiations with the newly-promoted Bundesliga side, with the club said to be in “pole position” to sign the 29-year-old.

Writing on Twitter about the player’s future, the journalist stated: “Christopher Jullien Celtic transfer exit looms as he jets into Germany with Schalke in pole position.”

While the former Toulouse centre-back – who has just a year remaining on his existing deal in Glasgow – is said to be attracting interest from Ligue 1 sides Lorient and Rennes, it is believed to be Schalke who are the frontrunners at present.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the 6 foot 5 colossus is “set to sign” for Frank Kramer’s side, having fallen out of favour under Ange Postecoglou with the Old Firm giants.

That man Postecoglou will seemingly be glad to see the back of the £4.05m-rated dud, with it having become clear last term that Jullien was simply not a part of his plans, the defender making just a solitary cup appearance in all competitions, totalling only 16 minutes.

The £20k-per-week giant – who was signed on a £7m deal three years ago – had been out for over 14 months with a knee injury prior to his return at the start of 2022, although subsequently failed to regain his starting berth despite being back to full fitness.

With Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers the preferred, first-choice pairing at the heart of the defence, the former France U20 international was left languishing on the sidelines, even slipping behind the likes of Stephen Welsh in the pecking order.