Gustaf Lagerbielke in direct Celtic transfer address as he targets 'fun challenge' of following Henrik Larsson path

The centre-back is edging closer to a £3million switch from Elfsborg following the clash with Hammarby.

Gustaf Lagerbielke has admitted it would be a fun challenge to follow in Henrik Larsson ’s footsteps by winning titles and playing in the Champions League with Celtic.

The Hoops are closing in on a £3million deal for the Elfsborg defender. The Swedish international spoke after the 1-0 defeat to Hammarby and is expected to complete his move to the Scottish champions this week and to continue a long and successful tradition. Lagerbielke, asked if Celtic was a step up, replied: “Very much. A fun challenge to come to a big club in Europe and play the Champions League and hopefully win titles. So that would be fun.

“It is a very big club with a good Swedish connection with Henrik Larsson, Starfelt, Lustig and Mjällby among others. They play the Champions League every year and win titles.” The 23-year-old admitted the clash with Hammarby is likely to be his last for Elfsborg. He added: “Maybe, I don’t want to say anything before something is signed, but it may well have been. I know that the clubs have been in negotiations, that's what I know.”

The centre half confirmed he has still to speak to Brendan Rodgers, as he was focused on Elfsborg’s game with Elfsborg. Lagerbielke, speaking to the football channel, claimed: “I have chosen to focus on this match. We’ll have to deal with everything else now after the match.

“It has been a bit of a challenge. But it's fun to face Hammarby away in such an important game so it's been pretty easy to focus on this game anyway.”

His Swedish club are set to net a club record sale. He diplomatically answered: “It is clear that it is fun that Elfsborg gets, or would get, a lot of money. I think that Elfsborg has been very good at refining talent so it's fun that it will be, or maybe will be, good for all parties.”

Elfsborg director Stefan Andreasson has insisted a deal has still to be signed off with Celtic but they are set for talks. When asked if they have agreed with Celtic, he answered: “No, not really. We’ll see what happens during the evening and tomorrow, but we have negotiations.”