Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 9y

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich chasing Martin Odegaard

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are among several European clubs interested in 15-year-old Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard, who plays for Stromgodset, made European Championship history when he became the youngest player ever to appear in a qualifier at the age of 15 years and 300 days when coming off the bench in the 2-1 win over Bulgaria.

His rapid rise to prominence has seen him linked with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Ajax, Manchester United and his favourite club, Liverpool, as well as the top Bundesliga clubs.

"Some 20 to 30 scouts are at every game. Since May there have only been two days without interest from either clubs or agents," Hans Erik Odegaard, his father and agent, told German weekly Sport Bild.

Speaking to the paper, Martin Odegaard confirmed that German clubs were among those chasing his signature and said Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp had shown him around the Westfalenstadion.

"He told me what Dortmund thinks about me and what sporting perspective they can offer me," he said.

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed the club's interest and said scouting "one of the biggest talents in European football" was "part of the job."

The player said "a few German clubs" were interested in signing him, adding: "The Bundesliga is a very strong league, and it's totally conceivable for me [to go there]." he said.

The paper reported that he has visited Bayern Munich -- where he trained with the under-16s last winter -- and Stuttgart, as well as Dortmund.

Bayern youth co-ordinator Torsten Fink said: "Someone who goes through the roof like that at this age is certainly interesting for Bayern."

Odegaard is under contract at Stromgodset until the end of 2015, and, Sport Bild reported that he is unlikely to leave Norway this winter.

"We don't talk about money with any club," his father said. "The club we opt for needs to have a plan for Martin's sporting development. When we find a club that can offer that to us, I am convinced that we can agree on everything else."

^ Back to Top ^