Celtic target Birger Meling’s agent drops transfer hint

The Norwegian left-back has been heavily linked with the Scottish Champions as they continue to search for a replacement for Kieran Tierney. And now the player’s agent has dropped a major hint regarding whether Meling could really leave Rosenborg for Celtic this season.

Birger Meling was Rosenborg’s standout performer when they faced Celtic on four different occasions last season in Europe and already has a goal to his name at Celtic Park. And it appears that his impressive performances have earned him fans in the Celtic hierarchy with him being touted as a possible replacement for Kieran Tierney throughout the summer.

The 24-year-old came up through the ranks at Viking and then ultimately at Middlesbrough during his youth career, but couldn’t break into their senior team. As a result, he returned to his native Norway and started his professional career for Stabaek.

He was impressive during his time there and eventually earned a move to Rosenborg, one of the biggest clubs in Norway. It is at Rosenborg that Meling made an impact on the European stage. His performances were so impressive that he became regular for the Norway national team.

Celtic took notice when the left-back performed spectacularly against them last season and have continuously tried to lure him away from Rosenborg. With his contract running out in December of 2020, Rosenborg should also be interested in selling their star asset if the right bid comes in. But what has become a cause for concern surrounding the transfer is the Norwegian club’s deep run in the Champions League.

Rosenborg made it to the Play-Off stage of the UEFA Champions League where they face Dinamo Zagreb (Rosenborg lost the first leg 2-0 away in Croatia). If the Norwegians do manage to qualify for the group stage of the main competition, it will be very hard to lure Meling away when he has the opportunity to play against the best players in the world.

Now Meling’s agent, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, has shed some light on the situation while speaking with the media regarding his client’s potential move.

"“Nothing has happened yet, the transfer window in Norway is open until the end of the month.“He has 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.”"

It is clear from Kvarmes comments that Rosenborg’s tie against Dinamo Zagreb holds the key to the move. If they end up qualifying, there is almost no chance of seeing Meling in a Hoops jersey next season.

As a result, Celtic fans will be praying for Dinamo Zagreb to run through Rosenborg on their way to the Champions League so that they can get their man. But even then they will have to be quick bout the move as the second leg of the tie will be played on 27th August, mere days before the transfer window closes.