Kristoffer Ajer is on a one week trial with Celtic with the view to signing a permanent deal.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has made a big impression for Start and has already made 45 appearances for the side that finished third bottom of the Tippeligaen.
Celtic were first connected with Ajer, who is already 6ft 5 despite not turning 18 until April, during the summer with Start director Even Brandsdal confirming the trial to Norwegian television station TV2 Sport.
Brandsdal said: “Kristoffer has been allowed to visit Celtic. We got a call from Celtic, and found that Ajer deserved to get the chance.
“It is too early to say whether there will be a sale. Now get Kristofer this opportunity to Celtic, then we’ll see what happens next.”
Ajer has arrived with his father in Glasgow for a week of training giving the Celtic coaching staff the opportunity to assess his ability at close quarters.
Despite winning the 2013 league title with Stromsgodset Ronny Deila hasn’t made any moves for Norwegian based players even though he signed Jo Inge Berget on loan from Cardiff shortly after taking over from Neil Lennon.
Ajer seems to have a similar profile to Thomas Rogne who was signed by Tony Mowbray in the January 2010 transfer window.
Despite showing lots of potential Rogne’s Celtic career never took off due to a succession of muscle injuries. After a short period at Wigan Athletic he returned to Scandinavia and enjoyed a successful season with IFK Gothenborg.
Celtic have still to make their first signing of the transfer window with Deila spotted watching Elche playing on Saturday night.
Unbelievable!
We have one of the worst defences in our history, yet Ronny no clue goes looking for attacking midfielders?
We have Allan, Armstrong, Commons, Christie and Forrest who can all play the attacking midfielder position, why do we need another one?
Crazy!
Agree 100% Monti. Lack of quality strikers except for Griffiths and the Defense is horrible besides a couple. Midfield has way too many already but they keep adding more.
you are both aware this boy is highly rated, and would be a very good signing if we could get him? i know some like to moan about EVERYTHING ronny does, but this isnt something to moan about. if we sign this lad it will be a very good signing, i wouldnt expect us to be able to get him though.
Ronnie to finally change his formation, developing the 0-9-1?
“In Ronnie We Trust”
“Gie Him Time”
“It’s The Boards Fault”
“We Are Fucking Excellent And Anyone On Here Who Disagrees With 4-5-1 Formations, One Paced Football, Getting Pumped By Any Half Decent Team We Play Is Obviously A Sevconian”
Just thought I’d post that to save others the time.
Young midfielder Eh? I’ll say nothing, probably best …..