Celtic defender Christopher Jullien appears to be closing in on a departure from the Parkhead outfit, as he nears a move to Schalke.

What's the word?

As per Football.Scotland's Mark Hendry, the Frenchman has flown to Germany in order to progress negotiations with the newly-promoted Bundesliga side, with the club said to be in "pole position" to sign the 29-year-old.

Writing on Twitter about the player's future, the journalist stated: "Christopher Jullien Celtic transfer exit looms as he jets into Germany with Schalke in pole position."

While the former Toulouse centre-back - who has just a year remaining on his existing deal in Glasgow - is said to be attracting interest from Ligue 1 sides Lorient and Rennes, it is believed to be Schalke who are the frontrunners at present.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the 6 foot 5 colossus is "set to sign" for Frank Kramer's side, having fallen out of favour under Ange Postecoglou with the Old Firm giants.

Ange will be buzzing

That man Postecoglou will seemingly be glad to see the back of the £4.05m-rated dud, with it having become clear last term that Jullien was simply not a part of his plans, the defender making just a solitary cup appearance in all competitions, totalling only 16 minutes.

The £20k-per-week giant - who was signed on a £7m deal three years ago - had been out for over 14 months with a knee injury prior to his return at the start of 2022, although subsequently failed to regain his starting berth despite being back to full fitness.

With Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers the preferred, first-choice pairing at the heart of the defence, the former France U20 international was left languishing on the sidelines, even slipping behind the likes of Stephen Welsh in the pecking order.

An exit then seemed inevitable, with it no real surprise that the Scottish Champions have opted to move him on, despite reports he was willing to stay and fight for his place.

Not only will that imminent departure free up space in the Celtic squad, but it could also aid Postecoglou in his pursuit of another defender, Ko Itakura.

The Japan international spent last season on loan at Schalke from Manchester City, although despite impressing, the German outfit were unable to afford to pay the 24-year-old's buy option, opening the door for the Hoops to pounce.

Any worries that Kramer and co may try and go back in for the City man appear to have been ended by their pursuit of Jullien, further increasing the chances of Itakura making the move to Scotland this summer.

Postecoglou will undoubtedly be buzzing if this impending exit can lead to an exciting new arrival.

IN other news, Deal Imminent: Celtic “very close” to big summer move, it’d be Ange’s best swoop yet