Valerenga midfielder Odin Thiago Holm’s move to Celtic “could be imminent”, according to Nettavisen.

The Norwegian news outlet claims that the Hoops have tabled a bid for the Norwegian youth international, and it is likely to be close to the same amount that FC Copenhagen offered during the January transfer window.

It is believed that the Danish club were prepared to pay just over 30m Norwegian Krone, which works out at around £2.2m. The bid was rejected by Valerenga at the time but it is felt that a similar proposal would be accepted now, as long as Celtic include a higher sell-on clause.

Holm is reportedly interested in moving to Celtic and while Nettavisen say that there is no full agreement between the two parties yet, there is “positive” dialogue which indicates that a transfer will go ahead.

What do we know about Holm?

The Norwegian came through Ranhelm’s youth academy before sealing a move to Valerenga in January 2019.

Holm did not make his debut for his new team straight away. He moved to Tiller on loan in March 2019, spending the best part of four months at the club.

On his return to Valarenga, the midfielder then made his first appearance for Valerenga in a 1-0 loss to Mjondalen.

Holm spent twelve months as a bit-part player coming off the bench, before he began to establish himself in 2021. The 20-year-old became a regular starter during the 2022 season.

Why are Celtic in negotiations to sign Holm even though they don’t have a manager?

The Hoops’ recruitment team has always been run independently from the head coach, and they have identified and signed young players in the past.

There is a clear parallel with Kristoffer Ajer, who was snapped up from Norwegian side Start. He was ostensibly a young midfielder, who was later converted into a right-back by Brendan Rodgers.