Celtic defender Christopher Jullien is ready to stay and fight for a place in the team, according to a report from the Daily Record. 

The lowdown: Setback after setback

The Frenchman has endured a torrid spell with injury after initially missing 13 matches with a back problem during the 2020/21 campaign.

Upon making a return, the towering centre-back was then forced off against Dundee United at the end of 2020, clattering his knee off the post as he cleared a Marc McNulty shot off the line in a 3-0 victory. He was subsequently absent for 409 days as a result before returning to face Raith Rovers in February of this year.

That appearance was the solitary outing for the 29-year-old last term, and having been deemed surplus to requirements in some quarters this summer, it now appears as though the Frenchman may be willing to stay put...

The latest: Not going anywhere

As per the Daily Record, Jullien is believed to be 'ready to stay and fight' for a place in Ange Postecoglou's plans next season.

It's claimed that the Hoops have 'received no concrete bids' for the former France under-20 gem despite being willing to 'listen to offers' from clubs.

The report added that Jullien - who was branded a 'man mountain' by ex-Scotland defender Alan Hutton following a formidable performance containing 15 clearances in the 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen in 2020 - has already 'told' Postecoglou of a willingness to remain as part of the Bhoys' squad.

The verdict: Good news

Despite the wretched recent spell of injuries and the consequent lack of game-time, keeping a player of the £4.95m-valued Frenchman's prowess within the Lennoxtown camp can certainly prove to be positive.

Prior to the crippling setbacks which have ultimately seen him fail to attract any attention in the market, Jullien had been a regular feature for Celtic, making 47 appearances during 2019/20 and scoring seven times that season to highlight an attacking aerial threat to accompany his defensive skills.

As the Hoops prepare to embark on another strenuous campaign in the pursuit of yet more silverware, with the addition of midweek Champions League action to cram in, keeping the 6 foot 5 Jullien at Parkhead could prove to be an unintended masterstroke.

In other news, Celtic are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign one player. Find out who it is here.