Celtic have all but won the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard on loan, it has been claimed.
The Bhoys are keen on providing a home for Odegaard for the 2015/16 campaign as the Norwegian looks to secure regular first team football at a high level to further his development.
Celtic have an ace card in manager Ronny Deila, who coached Odegaard at his former club Stromsgodset. And that has not been lost on Odegaard, who is likely to struggle to play regularly under Rafael Benitez next term.
Now, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Celtic have all but won the race for Odegaard.
Real Madrid have favoured the 16-year-old remaining in Spain and heading on loan to a side in La Liga, but it appears Odegaard's desire to work with Deila may have won the day.
relatedNewsStory
At Celtic, Odegaard could potentially play in the Champions League group stage, if the Bhoys can navigate the qualifying rounds; their bid starts later this month.
Real Madrid won the race for Odegaard's signature at the start of this year, beating off competition from a whole host of clubs, a group which included Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Celtic.
He has been turning out for their second string, Real Madrid Castilla, while training with the senior team.
