Gustaf Lagerbielke is reportedly set to exit Celtic for the Serie A this month with two clubs in contact over his availability. 

The central defender joined Celtic in the summer on a five-year deal but could depart on loan this month.

Lagerbielke, 23, has played just nine times for Celtic so far this season. 

And coach John Kennedy had admitted the club will look to trim down on their central defensive options this month.

It has led to vast speculation that Lagerbielke could move on with Lecce and Genoa credited with significant interest in the Sweden international. 

TuttoMercatoWeb reports that discussions between Lecce and Celtic are ongoing. That's despite fears a move could be dropped with Lecce keen on permanent signings rather than loans.

Sticchi Damiani said: "Not so much making impromptu operations, but following our logic, with young and owned players.

"Except for particular things so no loans, we are a little against. We have 90 percent of the players owned."

And it's further claimed that Genoa have sights set on a move for Lagerbielke as they brace for Radu Dragusin to depart the club this month.

And in a transfer twist, Lecce reportedly still have a "preferential channel" to sign Lagerbielke because of a relationship with Lagerbielke's agent through current player Pontus Almqvist.

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Speaking last month Kennedy stated a few players will leave the club in January - with a special mention over central defender outgoings.

He said: "It's a position where we have a lot of players. In January there's going to have to be a couple that will go and get game-time elsewhere and trim the squad down a little bit.

"If anything, we’re carrying a lot of numbers, so there will be a lot on the periphery who we just need to go and get game-time or maybe move on. Everyone will have their own agenda on that.

"When it comes to it, there's going to be four or five centre-backs in every squad, and at that point, it's a case of competing with each other and pushing each other and being ready to step in whenever you’re called upon.

"Stephen Welsh the other night, he hadn’t featured in a long time as he was unfortunate in picking up an ankle injury early on this season. He came in out of nowhere and performed the way he did, which he did really well. That’s what you’ve got to be ready for, there could be suspensions or an injury.

"Cameron is the one whose been the most consistent over the years and is an important player for us. I think everybody sees that, but that all changes on a week-by-week basis. You’ve got to be ready to play, and when you come in you’ve got to give the team your all."