Stephen Welsh looks set to leave Celtic this summer, with Swansea City closing in on a deal for the defender.

The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Motherwell and rebuilt his reputation with a strong campaign at Fir Park. After several years around the Celtic first-team squad, a permanent move now looks close.

According to the Daily Record, Swansea are nearing an agreement to sign Welsh, with the defender ready to move to the English Championship. The report claims Welsh had other options in England, along with interest from abroad, but has chosen Swansea as the next step in his career.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has also reported that Welsh has agreed terms on a two-year deal with Swansea, with the Welsh club holding an option for a further year.

Welsh has already reportedly agreed to terminate his Celtic contract early. His deal is expected to formally end on June 30, clearing the way for him to join Swansea City on July 1 once the paperwork is completed.

Welsh still had one year left on his Celtic deal, but Celtic are said to have allowed him to move on early as a goodwill gesture after his service to the club.

It also helps that his loan spell at Motherwell played a part in Celtic’s title push. Welsh was involved in a Motherwell side that took points from both Rangers and Hearts during the run-in.

The defender came through Celtic’s academy and was part of squads that won several trophies, even if he was never able to fully nail down a regular starting place.

A move now makes sense for everyone involved.

Celtic have a number of centre-backs on the books, while Welsh needs regular football at this stage of his career. Swansea can offer him a fresh start, and after the way he performed at Motherwell, he has earned the chance to test himself in the Championship.