Ronny Deila flattered to be linked with Celtic

Ronny Deila has said he is flattered to be linked with Celtic to make him their new manager.

Deila’s agent Tore Pedersen was at Celtic Park on Wednesday and it is understood the two sides are close to an agreement.

The 38-year-old, who has been likened to Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, remained at home to watch his Stromgodset side drop out of the Norwegian Cup with a shock 4-2 defeat to lower-league side Tromsdalen. 

“It’s flattering as Celtic are a big club,” said the Norwegian, who last season led Stromsgodset to their first domestic title in 42 years.

“I have always said I dream about working abroad one day.

“It’s great to be linked to a club like Celtic but I’ve been in football a long time and nothing is secure in it and I can only talk about things that are concrete.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell expects to be able to make a decision on a new boss in the coming days as he continues his search for a successor to Neil Lennon, who quit last month.