CELTIC IN REAL MADRID LINK

RONNY DEILA will step up his bid this summer to land Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard.

The Celtic boss has been alerted to the news Real Madrid are likely to loan out the 16-year-old next season.

Odegaard, who was introduced to first team football at 15 by Deila at his former club Stromsgodest, was on the Hoops’ radar in January, but his midfield protege opted for the Spanish giants and disappointed some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Liverpool and Ajax.

Southampton gaffer Ronald Koeman is also likely to react the teenage international coming up for grabs before the start of next season.

Deila said: “I hadn’t heard his situation had changed, but if it’s true, then we will check it out and see what is possible.”

Carlo Ancelotti has already included Odegaard in his first team squad and has also been impressed with the youngster in Real’s B side Castilla.

However, he could be agreeable to allow the teen sensation to leave for a season to gain more experience elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Serbian striker Stefan Scepovic, who cost £2.2million from Sporting Gijon in August, has been told he will get an opportunity at Parkhead despite scoring only four goals in 21 appearances.

He hasn’t started a game for the Hoops since netting in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on January 5.

Deila wants to see major improvement from the 25-year-old in training if he has any ambitions of making a first team return.

He said: “We’ve big competition up front. Leigh Griffiths has played well and John Guidetti has also played some good games.