Real Zaragoza have refused to sign Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid, something which may place Celtic on alert over the availability of the young midfielder.
The 16-year-old Norway international signed for Real Madrid amidst much fanfare in January and the Spanish giants had to fend off competition from clubs across Europe to secure his signature.
However, his career at Real Madrid has refused to take flight as he would have hoped. While he made his senior debut last season and has continued to train with the first team squad, Odegaard has not been able to break into the side under Rafael Benitez and is said to be keen to seek a loan move in January.
Celtic were extensively linked with wanting to sign the Norwegian, who enjoys a good relationship with Ronny Deila, in the summer and now it appears certain Real Madrid are open to loaning Odegaard in order that he can play more competitive football.
Indeed, according to local Spanish daily El Heraldo de Aragon, Real Madrid even offered the youngster to Real Zaragoza on loan recently, but the Spanish second tier club refused to entertain the option of signing him. As a result, Celtic may now be on alert over a loan move.
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Odegaard has continued to play under Zinedine Zidane for Real Madrid Castilla, but it is understood that he is keen for more senior football and doesn’t feel playing in Spain’s third tier will help his development as a footballer.
It remains to be seen whether Benitez shows more faith in the teenager in the coming months or Odegaard finds a club who are willing to sign him on loan in January.
