NICLAS ELIASSON has opened up about his future at Bristol City and referred to the rumours linking him with a move to Scottish Champions Celtic as ‘flattering’. The 24-year-old has one year remaining with the Championship side and in order to avoid losing one of their star players on a free transfer next year, have initiated new talks to begin. However, Eliasson is waiting to have all the options before he decides where he is playing his football next year.
The Italian publication Cittaceleste claimed that Celtic’s Nicky Hammond had scouted Eliasson in January with a move in mind and now the former AIK winger has addressed the transfer rumour, which also suggested Lazio and Fenerbache were interested.
With 3 goals and 12 assists last season, Eliasson gained some admirers at other clubs meaning Bristol face a challenge to keep him at the club.
Speaking to the Swedish publication fotballskanalen , the winger admitted that he wanted to test himself at one of the top leagues but that his development was very important to him.
“There has been some talk about extending [my contract]. But it can swing very fast in this industry, with other clubs and with Bristol City. I’ve put it on my agent. If something concrete happens, I listen.
“I do not want to hear about the slightest interest from Bristol City or another club, but more about something that is really on the table and is serious.
“It is clear that it is flattering [transfer interest from Celtic/Lazio]. When you were little you always had a dream of playing in one of the three or four biggest leagues in Europe.
“I hope I can fulfil that dream one day. There are many rumours in these times. My agent takes care of those pieces. I do not want to hear too much. It’s easy to get a lot of talk and it’s nothing anyway. It is better to stay focused on the plan.
“I’m only 24 years old and I hope I have many years left. I fight to take the development in the right direction and become as good a player as possible. I want to test my wings and see how far I can go. Hopefully I get to experience one of the biggest leagues. I strive for that and hopefully you succeed.”
Celtic could use cover down the right hand side with James Forrest the only winger. Eliasson could be snipped at a bargain price this summer should Celtic wish to reignite their interest in him.
