Manchester City could move for the Norwegian, who is managed by ex-Celtic boss Deila at Valerenga, this summer.
Valerenga midfielder Ghayas Zahid says Manchester City changed their mind over a January move for him, the Sun reports (09/02, page 64).
Pep Guardiola’s side are said to have watched Zahid, who can play anywhere across the middle of the park, against Zenit St Petersburg last month.
But, according to the player, City would rather wait until the summer, when his contract with the Oslo side is due to expire.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
“It seemed like I was going to join them but they changed their mind two days before the transfer window closed,” Zahid is quoted as saying.
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“They prefer to wait until the summer.”
Zahid’s manager, the former Celtic boss Ronny Deila, claims City are looking at Ghayas “as a development project”.
Ex-Celtic manager Ronny Deila
The Norway Under-21 international has scored 26 goals and created 21 in 105 appearances for his hometown team, and is said to be on the brink of a call up to Lars Lagerback’s senior squad.
City have taken on a number of Norwegian youngsters in recent years, and currently employ two of Zahid’s fellow countrymen, Kjetil Haug and Colin Rosler – son of former Blue, Uwe.
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