Celtic are willing to sell Stephen Welsh for just €2m (£1.7m) amid interest from Serie A outfit Udinese, according to Messaggero Veneto. 

The lowdown

Udinese are looking for a replacement after their Brazilian defender Samir joined Premier League side Watford, and they believe that the 21-year-old Parkhead academy graduate fits the bill.

The Hoops have allowed to two youngsters to leave already this month, sending Euan Henderson and Liam Shaw on loan to Hibernian and Motherwell respectively.

The latest

As per Messaggero Veneto, Udinese owner Gino Pozzo has apparently been making 'phone calls' to the 'Celtic headquarters' as he looks to strike a deal for Welsh.

He has reportedly asked if there is any room for manoeuvre on Celtic's aforementioned valuation, and that request allegedly indicates that the player 'likes' the potential move.

The verdict

If these reports are accurate, then Celtic's valuation seems surprisingly low.

First and foremost, Welsh is under contract in Glasgow for another three-and-a-half years. He has also become an increasingly important member of Ange Postecoglou's squad this term, making 19 appearances overall and starting Celtic's last two Premiership games and their last three European ties.

His potential to develop even further is quite evident, too - he has amassed six caps for Scotland at under-21 level, while Celtic youth coach Martin Miller has hailed the 'fan favourite' as 'phenomenal'.

It feels like selling Welsh for £1.7m - barely putting him in the club's top 30 sales - could backfire horrendously.

In other news, Celtic are close to sealing their next transfer