Celtic are interested in signing Schalke defender Malick Thiaw this summer, according to a report from Calciomercato. 

The lowdown: One out...

The Hoops could be set to sanction the departure of Christopher Jullien to Schalke after reputable reporter Anthony Joseph confirmed that the two clubs were in discussions over a loan deal with an option to buy.

Joseph also claimed that the Scottish champions would be in the market for a replacement for the 29-year-old Frenchman, despite adding Cameron Carter-Vickers to the ranks on a permanent basis already this summer.

Now it appears as though Ange Postecoglou won't need to look far for the successor as the Parkhead hierarchy attempt to raid the Bundesliga outfit of one of its most prodigious young talents...

The latest: One in...

As per Calciomercato, Celtic are already 'in talks' to sign Thiaw during the summer transfer window.

It's claimed that the 20-year-old centre-back was 'followed' by Italian giants AC Milan in January but a move failed to materialise.

The report also states that the Germany youth international, who was dubbed a 'big talent' by football talent scout Jacket Kulig last year 'could leave' Schalke.

This all follows news of the successful permanent capture of Jota, in what is shaping up to be an exciting weekend for Bhoys fans.

The verdict: Best laid plans

Losing Jullien and replacing the towering defender with a signing of Thiaw's potential would be a sensational coup for the Bhoys, particularly in light of the Frenchman's injury-plagued 2021/22 campaign.

Meanwhile, the innately talented eight-cap Germany Under 21 starlet earned a superb 7.16 Sofascore rating whilst winning 5.9 duels, making 3.4 clearances and 1.7 interceptions on average per game as Schalke earned promotion from the second-tier of German football to the Bundesliga.

Previously linked with Liverpool amidst a crippling injury crisis at Anfield, the 6 foot 2 defender holds a present market value of £5.4million that is rising all the time and the Glasgow club could be about to land a player very much on an upward trajectory right before entering the peak of his powers.

Schalke's prized asset, if the Hoops can pull this one off to accompany the reportedly imminent arrivals of Jota and Alexandro Bernabei, it would be a marker to their rivals and a clear example of Celtic future-proofing the Lennoxtown ranks with high-class prospects.