Celtic are considering a second loan offer for Celtic defender Stephen Welsh.
The Belgian Pro League side made an initial move which was knocked back. They have now gone back in with an improved bid to land the 24-year-old. The Belgians, who are pushing for their play-offs, are now waiting for the Hoops to respond. Welsh has been a top target for Mechelen since the summer.
They tried to sign the centre half at the start of the season but Celtic wanted to keep him for the Champions League and to fight for the defensive options. Welsh has 18 months left on his Celtic contract and wants regular first-team football. He has struggled to get that off late in Brendan Rodgers’ table-topping side.
The academy graduate is currently Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales are all in front of him in the pecking order. A loan move could suit both parties, as it could give Welsh playing time and put him in the shop window.
Celtic are also keen to bring Kieran Tierney, who will be leaving Arsenal, back to the club and if they manage to land him next month it would allow them to fill the hole left in terms of homegrown players, if Welsh was to leave.