According to the latest reports from the Daily Record, Celtic are in talks with Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse to sign their centre back Christopher Jullien. The report mentions that even the defender is keen on a move to Celtic Park as he can get a chance to play in the Champions League.
Clubs from England and Germany are also said to be interested, but the Hoops are serious and are already in talks regarding a move for the defender. Celtic are reportedly in £10m transfer tussle to bring him to Parkhead. Peter Lawwell was initially quoted the price of £8m, but that figure could rise with other teams also interested.
It is no surprise to see the Hoops going after a defender in the summer. Neil Lennon has already lost the services of Dedryck Boyata who went on to join Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin on a free transfer. There is no guarantee that Celtic will manage to get hold of Filip Benkovic again in the summer. The Bhoys need an established and dominant centre back who can replace the Belgian, and it seems like they have zeroed in on Jullien.
The 26-year-old made 36 appearances for his side in all competitions last season. The former France u-20 international stands in at 6ft5, and as expected, he is a strong force in the air. Jullien still has two years left on his contract so Celtic might have to make him their record signing if they end up paying as much as £10m for him.
Jullien came up from French outfit Auxerre before he moved to Germany to join Freiburg. He never really managed to establish himself in Germany and joined Toulouse in 2016. Since then, he has become a vital player for them at the back.
What will the Frenchman bring to Parkhead?
The centre back has that physical side to his game which is often necessary to thrive in the Scottish Premiership. Attackers would find it hard to go past or outmuscle him. His height is often crucial while defending set pieces, and he can score some goals as well in attack. The Toulouse defender is also known as an excellent tackler as he uses his long legs to good effect by timing his challenges well.
Worth the price?
£10m might sound a bit too much but to bring in top players, the Hoops will need to shell that kind of money. Jullien is in the prime of his career and still has a lot of football left in him. Celtic should look to bring in this French defender to replace Boyata.
