CELTIC have reportedly won the race to sign Real Madrid’s Norwegian wonderboy Martin Odegaard on a season-long loan.
An Italian sports agency is insisting the Hoops have beaten off competition from Getafe, Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano and Malaga to land the international midfielder for the new campaign.
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 Odegaard his debut at Stromsgodset.
Deila, who made a last-ditch attempt to sign the youngster before he joined Real Madrid, was ‘instrumental’ in the player’s development.
There had been reports in Spain that Real Madrid were keen for Odegaard to stay in the country allowing him to settle, but it appears new boss Rafa Benitez has all but given the green light for the youngster to join the SPFL champions, where he will link up with former club team-mate Stefan Johansen.
Odegaard 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.
