CELTIC moved closer to landing Rasmus Falk after the creative midfielder revealed he is refusing to sign a new deal at Odense BK.

The 24-year-old has been on Ronny Deila’s radar and SportTimes reported yesterday that talks are already underway with the Danish internationalist.

The Parkhead club lead the charge in the race for his signature, with clubs including Brondby, Copenhagen and Midtjylland reportedly interested.

But following discussions over a potential move to Glasgow, it has now emerged that Falk has expressed his desire to leave Odense and not return after the summer.

In a statement released through his agent Mads Bach Lund, he said: “I have taken many decisions in my life, but the decision I have taken now has been amongst the most difficult.

“It is also the reason why it has taken time for me to decide that I cannot prolong my contract with OB.

“I have never hidden my feelings for the club, that will always stay close to my heart, but I also have to think about the fact that I have a football career, which is limited in time.

“I have a dream of winning trophies and establishing myself further with the Denmark national team.

“In that sense, I feel there is time for me to take the next step and discover something new.

“This is not necessarily a farewell to OB but just a reunion. You never know what happens in this world. 

“It is not always self-controlled what is going to happen, but right now my biggest desire is to play this spring and finish with OB, and finish on a good way with my teammates and fans of all around the club.”

While Deila will be keeping tabs on the possible arrival of Falk, there is one great Dane who he is already delighted to have welcomed to the Scottish champions.

Erik Sviatchenko was unveiled at Lennoxtown yesterday after signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Hoops.

He returned back to his homeland yesterday to continue building his fitness after only starting pre-season last month, but the Celtic manager is already tipping his latest recruit for big things.

“I have known about him for a long time and now was the right time to do it. I am so happy we have done this deal,” said Deila.

“He is a player who has been important for his team, a team which has developed a lot, won their championship and done well in Europe.

“He was their captain at a very young age, 22, so this is a guy who wants to get better. When you talk to him, you understand what kind of ambitions he has. He suits our profile.

“He is a very aggressive defender. He’s not the tallest, but is good in the air - he has a good spring.

“He is a leader, a communicator. He is good on the ball as well, so he has a lot of good attributes.”