Gustaf Lagerbielke Celtic transfer exit latest as Heerenveen chief breaks silence

Heerenveen chief executive Ferry de Haan is hopeful of concluding a deal to sign Celtic outcast Gustaf Lagerbielke.

The Eredivisie outfit are in advanced talks over a season-long loan deal for the out-of-favour Swedish defender. Lagerbielke sealed a £3million move to Parkhead from Elfsborg last summer but was quickly deemed surplus to requirements by Brendan Rodgers, making just 10 appearances.

The 23-year-old was on the verge of securing a quick-fire exit to Serie A outfit Leece in January only for Celts to pull the plug at the 11th hour due to another defensive injury. Lagerbielke hasn't featured in any of the Double-winners' matchday squads this season and is now poised to kickstart his career in the Netherlands.

Belgian outfit Mechelen were among the other teams interested in the giant stopper but Heerenveen boss Robin van Persie looks set to win the race for his signature as he bolsters his options at centre-back.

The Dutch club's CEO, De Haan, told Leeuwarder Courant: "It is not a done deal yet, but we are hopeful that it will work out. With Pawel Bochniewicz and Sam Kersten, we now have two central defenders. Mateja Milovanovic is still behind them but needs some time. We want to have a good line-up in the centre of defence."