Inside Gustaf Lagerbielke to Celtic transfer talks as interest goes back WEEKS over star primed to make Hoops profit

He is one option Celtic are looking at in central defence – and Gustaf Lagerbielke is a star who can prove a perfect man for the Parkhead player-trading model.

With Carl Starfelt on the way out of Brendan Rodgers' side, Lennoxtown talent spotters have identified the Elfsborg centre-back as a man they want, with Xavier Mbuyamba at Voldenam another option. But it's the Swedish deal that appears to be more advanced and a bid in the region of £3million has been launched. Swedish sources have told Record Sport that Celtic interest in Lagerbielke goes back weeks, with talks kicking off around one week ago.

A key business principle at Parkhead is buying low to sell high and Swedish football expert Anel Avdic, who broke the initial Lagerbielke story, insists the Scottish Premiership champions will turn a handsome profit down the line if they seal the deal for a future Sweden regular. Speaking to Record Sport, Allsvenskan expert Avdic said: "I believe he has a promising future. He's progressing at the right pace and direction, and if he continues this way, he should be a player for Sweden's national team in the years to come.

"It feels like Celtic is making a wise investment. Lagerbielke is only 23, and in the long run, he's certainly a player the club can sell for a profit.

"Celtic have been interested in Gustaf Lagerbielke for a couple of weeks. Due to the club's awareness of the potential sale of Carl Starfelt, they aimed to identify a replacement as quickly as possible.

"With the assistance of Starfelt's agent, Blash Hosseini, they swiftly became aware of Lagerbielke. Negotiations between the clubs have been ongoing for about a week. We'll see if the deal can be finalised."

A move to Glasgow will make the defender