Malick Thiaw 'in talks' with Celtic as champions move quickly for Christopher Jullien replacement

Malick Thiaw could go in the opposite direction to Christopher Jullien if a report in Italy is right.

revealed earlier the French centre-back was heading to Germany to open negotiations with Schalke. It has been reported Jullien could go to the Bundesliga side on loan with an option to buy. It has also been claimed Celtic have triggered a one- year extension to his contract, which would deliver an increased transfer fee for the champions.

Now it has been stated Celtic have begun talks with Thiaw, a 20-year-old centre-back. Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Thiaw is in discussions with the Scottish Premiership champions. Liverpool and Everton were monitoring the defender in January while AC Milan were reportedly interested in the £8million-rated star earlier this week.

Jullien is currently in Germany finalising a loan-to-buy deal with the German side, leaving fans wondering if the two deals could be linked. Die Konigsblauen are expected to confirm the signing of the defender later today.

The 29-year-old found himself well down the defensive pecking order under Ange Postecoglou’s side since returning from a season-ending knee injury. As a result, he's gone in search of first-team football following the permanent signing of Cameron Carter-Vickers.

And Thiaw could be a ready-made replacement as the Aussie boss seeks further back-up to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. The American international was secured on a permanent basis after joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last season.

Postecoglou will need extra bodies for his backline after Jullien departs. Stephen Welsh remains in reserve, but Liam Scales has joined Aberdeen on loan. A deal for Argentinian left back Alexandro Bernabei is understood to be close