Celtic are said to be interested in signing the Rosenborg man this summer.
It was reported earlier this month by The Scottish Sun that Celtic were tracking the left-back ahead of a potential move for the player, with the Hoops needing someone to replace Kieran Tierney’s presence in the squad.
However, it doesn’t appear the 24-year-old will be immediately on hand to give Lennon’s squad a big boost.
Agent Bjorn Tore Kvarme hasn’t exactly ruled out a move away from the Norwegians, but directly referenced the club’s ongoing European campaign as a reason a decision might not be made quickly on his future.
As quoted by The Evening Times, he said: “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.”
Unfortunately for the Hoops they badly need a left-back to come in and hit the ground running soon.
They moved to strengthen the position with a move for Boli Bolingoli earlier this summer but he’s had his struggles in recent weeks and Lennon was even forced to play midfielder Callum McGregor at left-back last week against CFR Cluj.
Meling would be cup-tied at Celtic until the group stages of the UEFA Europa League anyway, but with huge domestic tests on the immediate horizon, signings need to be made.
Rosenborg play in the play-off round of the Champions League tonight against Dinamo Zagreb, so perhaps some at Celtic Park will be hoping they’re on the end of a heavy defeat.
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