Leeds United have been linked with a move for Leo Hjelde.
The teenage defender picked up priceless experience on loan at Ross County in the second half of last season, helping to secure their last day survival by sending Kilmarnock into the relegation play-off.
Hjelde should be an important part of the Celtic squad for the season ahead but like a high number of players his contract runs until May 2022 making the next few weeks critical.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reports:
The YEP understands Hjelde is one of several youngsters on the domestic scene and abroad who are on Leeds’ radar, with three or four signings anticipated.
The defender doesn’t turn 18 until August but gained senior first team experience in the Scottish Premiership last season on loan at Ross County.
Leeds are keen to add a centre-half to the Under 23 side this summer, with Oliver Casey likely to depart the club for a permanent move to Blackpool.
The 17-year-old left-sided defender signed for the Hoops from Rosenborg two years ago, signing a three-year deal, and headed out on loan in January.
Hjelde started seven games and scored one goal in the Scottish top tier for Ross County, playing at centre-back, left-back and left midfield, and earned rave reviews from then Staggies boss John Hughes who tipped him to be the ‘next Virgil Van Dijk.’
With so much uncertainty over matters at Celtic it is inevitable that other clubs will be keeping an eye on the status of players.
Odsonne Edouard, Kris Ajer and Olivier Ntcham are the biggest names out of contract next summer with Ryan Christie out of contract at the end of 2021.
After his experience with Ross County Hjelde should be involved in Celtic’s pre-season matches providing him with the chance to make an early impression on the new management team.
Leo’s Dad, Jon Olav spent eight years with Nottingham Forest before moving on to Mansfield Town.
CLICK HERE for Hjelde Transfermarkt profile, he started 10 SPFL matches for Ross County and made one substitute apearance.
