TOULOUSE have reportedly dropped their interest in Celtic defender Stephen Welsh after a bid was rejected by Parkhead chiefs.

It's claimed a £3.5million option-to-buy as part of a loan offer from the French side was thrown out by Celtic last week.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph now reports Toulouse have moved on to new targets after missing out on the their top transfer priority.

Scotland youth international Welsh was heavily involved for Celtic last season and is thought to be a part of Ange Postecoglou's plans.

Welsh started Sunday's win over Aberdeen for Celtic and was on the scoresheet within three minutes as he headed home a Matt O'Riley cross.

Jota was also on the scoresheet as Celtic claimed a 2-0 win on their opening league fixture of the new season.

Commenting on Welsh ahead of the win, Postecoglou said: “Welshy has shown a lot of growth. I expect that from all the players.

"He has come back for pre-season and worked really hard through it. We are challenging him to take his game to another level.

"He has definitely gone up a level from last year and hopefully he knows that we will try to get even more out of him.”