---
title: "Celtic: Southampton tracking Hjelde"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-southampton-tracking-hjelde/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-04-07T17:40:42Z"
modified: "2021-04-07T17:40:42Z"
---

# Celtic: Southampton tracking Hjelde

**Southampton are reportedly keeping tabs on Celtic defender Leo Hjelde ahead of the summer transfer window, according to [The Scottish Sun](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/6928019/rangers-celtic-mcclelland-hjelde-southampton/).**

The [report](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/6928019/rangers-celtic-mcclelland-hjelde-southampton/) claims that the Saints are looking at the 17-year-old, as well as Rangers youngster Kyle McClelland.

### Hjelde’s versatile Ross County stint

Hjelde, who stands at [6 foot 1](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leo-fuhr-hjelde/profil/spieler/661208), is currently out on loan at fellow Scottish Premiership side Ross County, with the Norwegian making [nine](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leo-fuhr-hjelde/leistungsdaten/spieler/661208) appearances in all competitions.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”350784″\]

The teenager has played at [centre-back, left-back and left-midfield](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leo-fuhr-hjelde/leistungsdaten/spieler/661208) at Victoria Park, scoring his [first senior goal against Kilmarnock](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leo-fuhr-hjelde/leistungsdaten/spieler/661208) last month.

It seems as if his displays have caught the attention on the south coast, with Hjelde having [just over 12 months remaining on his Parkhead deal](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leo-fuhr-hjelde/profil/spieler/661208).

\[freshpress-poll id=”351881″\]

### Transfer Tavern take

John Hughes, Hjelde’s manager at Ross County, called the teenager [‘unbelievable’](https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/19147571.john-hughes-outlines-john-collins-perfect-celtic-director-football-role/) last month, and it seems as if the Hoops may have a decision to make on the promising youngster this summer.

We have seen first hand with [Stephen Welsh](https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/stephen-welsh/leistungsdaten/spieler/403568/saison/2020/plus/0) this season how a young Hoops defender can have a real impact in the senior squad, and should Hjelde remain in Glasgow, he could be the next to breakthrough.

Christopher Jullien is out through [injury](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-injury-update-neil-lennon-23530956) at this moment in time, while Hjelde’s countryman Kris Ajer has been [linked](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9408377/Newcastle-United-ready-launch-8m-bid-Celtic-defender-Kristoffer-Ajer.html) with a move away.

That could result in Hjelde having a real chance to establish himself in the first-team setup next season, providing he remains at the club beyond the summer.

***In other news: Celtic source shares twist in Eddie Howe deal; the reason he’s having second thoughts comes to light, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-hoops-source-shares-howe-twist/).***