There is ‘still interest’ in Celtic defender Christopher Jullien following his collapsed move to Schalke, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.
The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Parkhead since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival and is expected to seek pastures new during the current transfer window.
What is the latest news involving Jullien?
Jullien’s 2019/20 campaign was curtailed after he suffered an ACL tear in December 2020, allowing Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Stephen Welsh to jump ahead of him in Postecoglou’s plans.
The former France Under-20 international only played 16 minutes of first-team action last term despite returning from injury in February and admitted he is considering his future at Celtic in a recent interview.
“I still have a year of contract, and I’d like to continue playing here, but my priority is to be on the pitch,” said Jullien to GOAL France.
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“If the conditions do not change, it is certain that on my side the door will be open to continue my career elsewhere at a club where the coach would be happy to rely on my qualities.”
However, Jullien’s proposed loan move to Bundesliga outfit Schalke collapsed after they were unable to reach an agreement over personal terms.
What has Joseph said about Jullien?
The Scottish Sun previously claimed that Jullien is attracting attention from his homeland three years after he completed a £7 million switch to Celtic from Toulouse.
And Joseph has informed GiveMeSport that the 6 foot 5 ace, who has one year remaining on his £20,000-per-week contract, remains on the radar of sides in both Germany and France.
He told GMS: “I think Celtic were expecting clubs to come in for Jullien, they knew there was interest in Germany and France. I think there's still interest in France in particular.”
Will Celtic need to replace Jullien?
Celtic had the best defensive record in the Scottish Premiership last season, leaking just 22 league goals in their 38 top-flight fixtures.
Nevertheless, the Hoops recently brought in central defender Mortiz Jenz from FC Lorient on a season-long loan from France with an option to buy.
The 23-year-old made 17 appearances for Lorient throughout 2021/22 as they finished in 16th position in the Ligue 1 standings.
Celtic, therefore, already appear to be prepared for Jullien’s departure as he edges ever close to the exit door.