STEPHEN WELSH won't leave Celtic amid transfer interest from Udinese, according to reports.

The central defender, 21, was subject of both a loan and transfer offer from the Serie A side.

Udinese reportedly opened talks with Celtic over a possible temporary switch or permanent £1.6million move earlier this month.

But the Daily Record now claim offers for Welsh have not been considered and the defender will remain at Celtic.

Club chiefs will also knock back any further approaches from Udinese with the Italian club reportedly set to return with another offer.

It's thought Ange Postecoglou is keen for the centre-back to continue his development in Glasgow and compete for a starting spot in the first-team.

Welsh has played 19 games so far this season under manager Postecoglou.

He first burst onto the scene at Celtic under Neil Lennon when he stepped in to replace the injured Christopher Jullien.

Welsh is currently contracted until at least the summer of 2025 after signing a new four-year deal in April last year.

At the time, he said: “I’m delighted to get it done and I’m here for another four years which is the perfect scenario for me."