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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Serie A teams step up transfer interest in Celtic outcast

Unwanted Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke could clinch a shock move to Serie A with Verona and Parma interested in the Swedish defender.

The 24-year-old stopper joined the Hoops from Elfsborg for £3 million a year ago, but has failed to establish himself in Brendan Rodgers' side.

He's unlikely to be part of the champion's plans this season too and looks certain to be on his way out of Glasgow.

And he could be heading to Italy after both Verona and Parma registered an interest in Lagerbieke, who has been capped twice for his country.

Verona finished in mid table last season and want to push on this term under manager Paolo Zanetti.

And ambitious Parma want to make an impact in the top flight having won Serie B last term and winning promotion.

Rodgers hinted that the Swede would be leaving soon at the weekend. He said: "It all just depends. Gus has shown a terrific attitude.

"He didn’t get so much game time last season but he’s got his head down. He had the chance to go on loan in January, but we needed to keep him due to the injuries we had in that position.

"But he’s worked very hard over pre-season and we’ll see what happens.

"You see the players are happy and working well, but all players want to play. If they can’t get the game time with us, they may look elsewhere."


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Meanwhile, Celtic have reportedly rejected another bid for Matt O'Riley - this time from Southampton.

There is strong transfer interest in the Denmark international this summer.

And with the Scottish Premiership season less than a week away now, more offers could be on the horizon for the 23-year-old.

The Sun claims that Celtic have knocked back Saints' initial offer.

Head coach of the newly-promoted English Premier League side Russell Martin is a big admirer of the attacking midfielder.

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