Orgryte, currently 15th in Allsvenskan with nine points after 12 games, have drawn attention from foreign clubs for their 21-year-old defender Michael Parker. Despite the team having scored 14 and conceded 31 goals – with a goal difference of -17 – and sitting 23 points behind league leaders Sirius, Parker has impressed enough to attract interest from Scottish giants Celtic.

What did Orgryte's sporting director say?

Pontus Farnerud, Orgryte's sporting director, confirmed on Tuesday that interest in Parker already exists. He has a strong profile and qualities that make him attractive to several clubs, Farnerud told local media. But right now, all focus is on the match against Kalmar this weekend, he added.

Farnerud refused to confirm whether any formal offer has been made for Parker, whose reported value stands at around £1.5m. Parker has played in Swedish football since the start of the year and quickly established himself as a key player in Orgryte's defence despite his team's poor results.

Why are Celtic interested?

Celtic have made just one signing in this summer transfer window – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is their only new arrival so far. But the Scottish champions have scouted several defensive options, and Parker has risen up their list after his performances in Allsvenskan.

Parker, who turns 22 in August, has featured in all 12 of Orgryte's matches this season and provided stability at the back despite his team's weak form. With just two wins, three draws and seven losses, Orgryte sit bottom of the table, but Parker's individual performances have not gone unnoticed by scouts.

What happens next?

Orgryte face Kalmar on Saturday in a crucial match to avoid the relegation battle. The team's recent form over the last five games reads WLDLL – win, loss, draw, loss, loss – and needs a turnaround to shift the trend.

Farnerud stressed that Orgryte will handle any bids professionally. He made clear that Parker's future is not yet decided, but that the club will do what's best for both the player and the team.

Orgryte, founded in 1887, continue to fight in the Allsvenskan relegation scrap. With just nine points and a goal difference of -17, every point is vital, and a potential sale of Parker could provide the club with much-needed financial breathing room.