Martin Ødegaard ‘to join Celtic on loan’ - reports

CELTIC have reportedly won the race to sign Martin Ødegaard on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid.

Celtic have reportedly won the race to take Martin Ødegaard on loan next season. Picture: Getty

Italian sports website TuttoMercatoWeb are reporting that the Hoops have beaten off competition from Getafe, Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano and Malaga to land the Norwegian starlet on loan for the 2015/16 season.

Should the deal be confirmed, it will see the 16-year-old link up with former manager and mentor Ronny Deila, who gave a 15-year-old Ødegaard his debut at Stromsgodset.

Deila, who made a last-ditch attempt to sign the Norwegian international before he joined Real Madrid, was ‘instrumental’ in Ødegaard’s development, according to the player himself.

Celtic have reportedly won the race to take Martin Ødegaard on loan next season. Picture: Getty

• 7 reasons Celtic could sign Martin Ødegaard on loan

There had been reports in Spain that Real Madrid were keen for Ødegaard to stay in the city, allowing him to settle, but it appears Rafa Benitez has all but given the green light for the youngster to join Celtic, where he will link up with former Godset team-mate Stefan Johansen.

Ødegaard has spoken in the past of his desire to work with Deila, and has admitted being impressed with Celtic after watching them in action in Champions League matches.