Norway defender Fredrik Andre Bjorkan is the target for a number of English clubs ahead of the January transfer window, according to TEAMtalk sources.
The 22-year-old left-back is currently with Bodo Glimt from the Norwegian top division and has been attracting attention from throughout Europe.
Celtic held talks over Bjorkan in the summer, but they failed to finalise a deal.
Now a number of Premier League clubs are taking a keen interest in the talent. And interestingly enough, they have direct contact with the player’s parents, because his father Aasmund is the sporting director.
It is believed the likes of Brighton, Leeds, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Norwich are amongst those to show an interest. And although he would need to go through the new work permit system it is not believed he would have difficulties in attaining a Governing Body Endorsement which would allow him to play in England.
Bjorkan is set to leave Norway in style having helped Bodo to the title this season, with their final game due this weekend. They wrapped up the title a few weeks ago as they are 19 points clear of nearest rivals Molde.
Bjorkan is under contract until December 2021, but it looks unlikely that he will see out the remaining 12 months on that deal.
Why Gvardiol turned down Leeds
Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol has confirmed he had a “very, very good” offer from Leeds this summer before choosing to join RB Leipzig instead.
Gvardiol was one of several defenders to be linked with Leeds over the summer as it became clear they would not be able to keep Ben White from Brighton.
White had an impressive season on loan at Leeds in 2019-20, helping them win promotion. However, Brighton were desperate to keep hold of the defender, and Leeds could not meet their asking price.
Therefore, they had to turn their attention elsewhere. They eventually signed Diego Llorente and Robin Koch, but not before seeing their pursuit of Gvardiol fall through.
The teenager looked ready for the next step after coming through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb. Leeds were willing to make him some big promises to lure him to Elland Road.
However, he seemed unsettled by the amount of gametime they were offering, instead preferring to join Leipzig for around €16m, and be loaned back to Dinamo.
Gvardiol has now opened up on why he made that decision.
“Leeds’ offer was also very, very good,” he told Index (via Sport Witness).
The post EXCLUSIVE: Leeds, Newcastle line up January transfer for exciting Norwegian left-back appeared first on teamtalk.com.
Matthew Briggs
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