Gustaf Lagerbielke in direct Celtic transfer address as he targets 'fun challenge' of following Henrik Larsson path

Gustaf Lagerbielke has admitted it would be a fun challenge to follow in Henrik Larsson ’s footsteps by winning titles and playing in the Champions League with Celtic.

The Hoops are closing in on a £3million deal for the Elfsborg defender. The Swedish international spoke after the 1-0 defeat to Hammarby and is expected to complete his move to the Scottish champions this week and to continue a long and successful tradition. Lagerbielke, asked if Celtic was a step up, replied: “Very much. A fun challenge to come to a big club in Europe and play the Champions League and hopefully win titles. So that would be fun.

“It is a very big club with a good Swedish connection with Henrik Larsson, Starfelt, Lustig and Mjällby among others. They play the Champions League every year and win titles.” The 23-year-old admitted the clash with Hammarby is likely to be his last for Elfsborg. He added: “Maybe, I don’t want to say anything before something is signed, but it may well have been. I know that the clubs have been in negotiations, that's what I know.”

The centre half confirmed he has still to speak to Brendan Rodgers, as he was focused on Elfsborg’s game with Elfsborg. Lagerbielke, speaking to the football channel, claimed: “I have chosen to focus on this match. We’ll have to deal with everything else now after the match.

“It has been a bit of a challenge. But it's fun to face Hammarby away in such an important game so it's been pretty easy to focus on this game anyway.”

His Swedish club are set to net a club record sale. He diplomatically answered: “It is clear that it is fun that Elfsborg gets, or would get, a lot of money. I think that Elfsborg has been very good at refining talent so it's fun that it will be, or maybe will