Alex Jones 
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Leeds are poised to complete a deal for Norwegian Celtic youngster Leo Hjelde before the closing of the summer transfer window, according to Phil Hay of The Athletic.
Taking to Twitter, the sports journalist confirmed the news following a long-running saga that has seen the Premier League club strongly linked with a cheap deal for the teenage defender.
With regards to Celtic, Hay declared:
‘Incomings wise, Leeds will get Leo Hjelde from Celtic done before the deadline.’
Twitter: Incomings wise, Leeds will get Leo Hjelde from Celtic done before the deadline. As Bielsa said last week, more than… https://t.co/FhQRwZlnGq (@PhilHay_)
Hjelde has previously followed Leeds on social media, as well as numerous development squad and first-team players, in a hint from the player as to where he will be plying his footballing trade next season.
Celtic have been long-resigned to losing Hjelde and reports out of Norway had claimed that a deal had been wrapped up in de facto terms some time ago.
The Nottingham-born Norwegian defender spent the second half of last season on loan with fellow SPFL side Ross County, where manager John Hughes poured high praise on the young defender following an impressive six-month stint.
Hughes told BBC Sport that the Norwegian teenager is a “massive talent” who “is going to be the next Virgil van Dijk”, urging reporters to “trust [him] on that”.
Read Celtic Verdict
Losing Hjelde is a shame from Celtic’s standpoint, but the player has clearly made an informed decision that he feels Leeds is best placed to nurture his development.
However, Postecoglou has proven his commitment to bringing through young academy talents into the first-team spotlight.
Ange has already shown through Welsh, Murray, Abada & Montgomery he will give youth opportunities in the first team.
