Gustaf Lagerbielke's Celtic transfer exit has stalled, according to a report.

The Swedish centre-back had been heavily linked with a loan departure to Lecce in Serie A.

The deal was expected to include a purchase option which could see the 23-year-old permanently leave Glasgow.

However, Sky Sports claim the clubs have yet to reach a full agreement on a transfer deal this month.

Lagerbielke was set to leave Celtic to complete a medical in Italy but the clubs must first "find a breakthrough" in negotiations.

Genoa are also interested in the player - who only joined Celtic in the summer - with the Italian side watching his situation.

READ MORE: Vata continues Celtic contract talks with growing transfer interest

Celtic assistant John Kennedy admitted last month some central defenders could leave the club in January.

He explained: "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."