Celtic defender Christopher Jullien could reportedly be in line to remain at Parkhead next term, despite previous reports linking the Frenchman with a move away from the club.

What's the word?

According to the Daily Record, the 29-year-old is keen to 'stay and fight for his place' under manager Ange Postecoglou, despite recent suggestions that he could be set for a return to Ligue 1, having been signed from Toulouse in a £7m deal in 2019.

The report does state, however, that the Old Firm side would be willing to 'listen to offers' for the 6 foot 5 colossus this summer, albeit with the Glasgow outfit yet to receive any 'concrete bids' to prise him from the club.

Should the centre-back not be sold in the current window, the Scottish champions face the prospect of losing him for nothing next year, with just 12 months remaining on his existing deal.

Supporters annoyed

Although it may be somewhat commendable that the £4.95m-rated man is keen to try and work his way back into the manager's plans, there will no doubt be sections of support who are frustrated and annoyed by this latest news, with it seemingly having been the ideal time to cash in on the towering defender to raise funds for incomings.

The £20k-per-week giant made just a solitary, 16-minute appearance in all competitions last term, having been unable to unsettle the "immense" partnership of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, as the duo have been dubbed by pundit Chris Sutton.

The pair were instrumental as the Hoops wrestled the title back from bitter rivals Rangers, with the latter man having since made his loan move permanent from Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.

That recent signing has only served to rubberstamp Jullien's continued slide down the pecking order, with the one-time Freiburg man having failed to regain his starting berth of late, despite having been available for selection for much of the second half of last term.

The former France U20 international had been out for over a year due to injury prior to his return to fitness at the start of 2022, with that lengthy absence curtailing what had been a bright start to life at the club under Neil Lennon.

Under new management, however, it would appear that he is not quite the right fit, with it perhaps best if he is moved on in the next few months, particularly with the club targeting other centre-back additions - including Manchester City starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Supporters won't want to see Jullien taking up space in the squad for another season, while for the player's own sake he would perhaps be better served seeking out pastures new.

IN other news, Celtic's next summer signing now a “matter of time”, Ange will be absolutely delighted