Rosenborg striker Casper Tengstedt has labelled Celtic a ‘fine club’ while admitting he is flattered by speculation linking him with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, speaking to Adressa.
With Giorgios Giakoumakis’ Parkhead exit edging ever closer – Fabrizio Romano reporting that MLS, Serie A and J-League clubs have enquired about the Greek international – the clock is ticking as Celtic look to bring in a replacement before the February deadline.
To further complicate matters, Old Firm rivals Rangers seem to be intent on emulating Chelsea’s hi-jacking of Manchester United’s move for Joao Felix, potentially snatching Cho Gue-Sung from under Ange Postecoglou’s nose (Alan Nixon). Rosenborg, meanwhile, will only let Tengstedt go should an ‘extraordinary’ offer arrive.
Per Football Scotland, the free-scoring Denmark U21 international is valued in excess of £3.5 million. Postecoglou and co have received some encouragement, however, with Tengstedt opening up on his admiration for the Glasgow giants.
Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic like Rosenborg striker Casper Tengstedt
“Celtic is a fine club,” the 22-year-old says. “But I don’t want to say more. Of course, I have read all the speculation. And I have to say it is exciting getting. It means I have done well. I have been noticed.”
When pressed further on a January move, Tengstedt admitted that he ‘expects’ to still be a Rosenborg player when the new Eliteserien season begins in April.
“I expect to be at Rosenborg in 2023,” Tengstedt adds. “I have a long contract here and I am sure I will start the new season with the club.”
Tengstedt scored a remarkable 15 goals in just 14 games after joining the Trondheim-based outfit from AC Horsens last summer, while showcasing a creative streak with a further nine assists.
‘The Norwegian league’s best player’
“He’s one of our key players,” explains sporting director Mikael Dorsin. “So, if we have to sell him now, something extraordinary will be needed. I can’t talk about amounts, but it will be something incredible if we were to sell him this winter.
“Casper has also been here for a short time, so I think he also understands that. There has been a lot of interest, which is natural when he has produced such a great season.
“But from there it is a long way before there is anything concrete. In football, you always hear about a lot of rumours and interest. But it’s a long time before anything official happens.
“(The interested clubs) also know his situation well. He has only been here for a short time, and they know we want to keep him. They also know that it’s going to take something extraordinary to sign the Norwegian league’s best player.”
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