Ronny Deila won’t rule out Martin Odegaard loan

CELTIC could yet bring Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard to Glasgow on loan after Ronny Deila revealed his close working relationship with the Norwegian prodigy and his father.
Martin Odegaard is well known to Ronny Deila, but would he ever join Celtic on loan? Picture: GettyMartin Odegaard is well known to Ronny Deila, but would he ever join Celtic on loan? Picture: Getty
Martin Odegaard is well known to Ronny Deila, but would he ever join Celtic on loan? Picture: Getty

Deila, who was credited with an interest in Odegaard prior to his move to Spain, told the Daily Express that he had tried to get the highly-rated teen to sign for Celtic, adding: “I was speaking with him. I met them and talked with them but I knew all the way that it was going to be very hard.

“I didn’t put much into it.

“I just said that we were an option, that he would have a better chance of playing. He could have used us as a stepping stone to a bigger club.

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“I knew it was going to be hard to get him to sign for Celtic with all the options he had. I have a good relationship with Martin and his father. They called me the day they chose Real Madrid. It’s not going to ruin his career. I understand the choice.”

And pressed on the possibility of being reunited with Odegaard on a loan deal, Deila admitted: “You never know in football.”

Odegaard has been playing for Madrid’s ‘B’ team - Real Madrid Castilla - since signing for €2.3 million but has been linked with a loan move to Southampton next season.

Still just 16, it is unclear when he will be propelled into the Galacticos first team but the chance of landing the former Stromsgodset midfielder on loan could tempt Celtic into making enquiries.

Deila gave Odegaard his senior debut for Godset at the age of 14.

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