Birger Meling

2mas · Sjef Joined: 06 Sep 2002 Posts: 58337 Location: Trondhjem

Birger Meling never made a first-team appearance for Championship outfit Middlesbrough but could reportedly return to the Riverside from Rosenborg.

(...)

Dagbladet claims that Middlesbrough were one of a number of Championship sides who sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action during Rosenborg’s Champions League qualifier against Celtic last month.

Read more: Middlesbrough interested in re-signing former academy player Birger Meling

2mas · Sjef Joined: 06 Sep 2002 Posts: 58337 Location: Trondhjem

But the Herald on Sunday understands that Meling is close to agreeing a deal to join the Scottish champions, and he could be unveiled before Celtic’s Europa League play-off against AIK Stockholm on Thursday night.

Lennon’s former teammate and BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton had claimed on television on Friday evening that Celtic were close to landing Meling, but when asked if he was expecting any imminent arrivals, Lennon replied:

“Possibly. They might be cup-tied though.

“Chris Sutton says a lot of things. I wouldn’t take Chris Sutton’s word as gospel.”

Read more: Celtic close in on Birger Meling after landing striker Jonathan Afolabi

2mas · Sjef Joined: 06 Sep 2002 Posts: 58337 Location: Trondhjem

However, sources close to the player last night claimed there have been no discussions at this stage.

Rosenborg also want Meling to stay for their two-legged shoot-out against Dinamo Zagreb as they attempt to make the Champions League group stages.

Read more: Celtic transfer latest as Birger Meling dodges Hoops questions and Greg Taylor scouted again

2mas · Sjef Joined: 06 Sep 2002 Posts: 58337 Location: Trondhjem

“Nothing has happened yet,” said Kvarme.

“The transfer window in Norway is open until the end of the month.

“He has got one and a half years left on his contract so of course it could be interesting for the club to sell to get some decent money. But they are still playing to get into the Champions League so that may influence things as well.

“In general, it is always interesting for players to go to bigger leagues to play for bigger clubs. You just have to find the right moment. But if Rosenborg get into the Champions League that is interesting for Birger as well. We will have to wait and see what happens.”

Read more: Birger Meling's agent backs Celtic target to shine "at a stronger club in a stronger league"