Virals: Fabrizio Romano Confirms Celtic Talks for Carl Starfelt

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has issued an update as Celtic remain on the hunt for new defensive reinforcements.

Celtic are likely to recruit several centre-halves amid uncertainty over the future of Norway international Kristoffer Ajer.

Ajer is entering the final 12 months of his Celtic deal and has publicly agitated for a summer move, claiming a deal in this window is the most amicable solution for all parties.

In that view, Romano claims that Celtic have opened negotiations for a potential replacement in Swedish defender Carl Starfelt, who plies his trade with Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan.

Twitter: Celtic are in direct contact to negotiate personal terms with Swedish centre back Carl Starfelt as potential Ajer r… https://t.co/IQzEdnUG3Q (@FabrizioRomano)

Celtic ‘are in direct contact’ in order to negotiate personal terms with the player, and it is also claimed an opening bid will be made for Starfelt’s services.

The 26-year-old, who is valued at £2.6 million by Transfermarkt, is a 3-time Sweden international and can also feature at right-back.

Intriguingly, the ball-playing defender boasts the highest passing accuracy in Russia (91.4%) – something suited to Ange Postecoglou’s progressive system that sees defenders playing out from the back.

Celtic have already recruited ex-Sheffield Wednesday youngster Osaze Urhoghide on a free transfer, whilst another ex-Owls signing in Liam Shaw can also deputise in defence.

Celtic have previously been linked with moves for Japan international Ko Itakura and 19-year-old Croatian defender Mario Vuskovic, who has been omitted from Hajduk Split squads in recent friendlies.

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With plenty of good years ahead of him in his career, at 26 Starfelt strikes a useful blend of experience and the potential to remain at Celtic in the long run.

The Swedish defender could be a cost-effective replacement for Ajer if a sale is agreed with a potential suitor, with his comparative data serving as a boon to his profile.