Dundee United have seen an ambitious move for Celtic defender Stephen Welsh rejected by the champions.
The 23-year-old saw his opportunities limited during the first half of the campaign due to the form of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Moritz Jenz.
Although Jenz returned to parent club Lorient – before moving to Schalke – defender Yuki Kobayashi has now arrived in Glasgow, making Welsh’s task no less onerous.
Welsh has been restricted to six appearances this season and did not even make the match-day squad for Sunday’s 2-0 victory at Tannadice.
And Courier Sport understands that the Tangerines made a loan move for the ex-Scotland U21 defender as they seek to strengthen their backline prior to midnight.
However, Celtic kicked out the offer.
Sheffield Wednesday have also been credited with an interest in the youngster.
Speaking at the weekend, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou stated: “There was speculation, but he (Welsh) wasn’t likely to leave.”
United remain in the market for a centre-back as the deadline approaches apace but only at the calibre to challenge for a starting berth.
The Tangerines have stirred into action amid Tony Watt’s impending loan move to St Mirren and Harry Souttar’s imminent switch to Leicester City, from which they will receive a 15% chunk of the £15 million fee.
United are also looking to add a striker to their ranks.
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