Stephen Odey admits he is ‘open’ to joining a Scottish Premiership giant when asked about a potential move to Rangers or Old Firm rivals Celtic, speaking to Amtsavisen.
In truth, this interview was a masterclass in media management. Wind him up and watch him reel off the pre-prepared quotes.
On one hand, Odey seized the opportunity to aim a wink and blow a seductive kiss in the direction of Glasgow. On the other, he also made sure to express his enduring commitment to the club that pay his wages.
“Rumours can spread quickly,” says the Nigeria international. “But it’s not something I want to be distracted by. My agent takes care of everything in the transfer market.
“I’m trying not to think about it. The important thing for me as a player is to focus on the preparations for the new season.
“These are big clubs,” Odey adds when asked directly about Rangers or Celtic. “And it is clear that this is something that I want to be open to.
“But I’m at Randers FC. And, right now, that’s the only thing that matters. As long as I have not been presented with anything concrete, I will not let myself be disturbed by it.”
Is Stephen Odey heading to Rangers or Celtic?
The implication there being that, while both Rangers and Celtic may be keen, they are yet to turn that interest into anything more ‘concrete’. It was All Nigeria Soccer, late last month, who claimed that Odey was in talks over a potential £3.5 million move to Ibrox. Rangers appear to have installed PAOK’s Antonio Colak as their number one target however.
Celtic, meanwhile, have reportedly been tracking the former Genk and Amiens forward since the Brendan Rodgers era.
“If the right club comes, Randers FC has no choice but to let me go,” Odey says. “But I am happy to be at Randers FC, and that does not change (despite) the fact that there are some rumours about other clubs.
“For me, it’s about the preparations for the new season with the team I’m part of.”
Fast and versatile, Odey scored 14 goals in 33 games last season.
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