ERIK £1.5m HOME DEAL
From Back Page homeland. Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken wanted Sviatchenko at the beginning of the season but despite coming close to an agreement, no deal materialised before the close of the transfer window with failure to reach the group stages of the Champions League hitting transfer funds.
The manager has kept tabs on the situation and Celtic’s willingness to sell and the Danes’ better financial position means a deal is likely to be revived.
They have made it through to the group stage of the Europa League and a last-32 tie against Atletico Madrid. In addition Copenhagen have landed a hefty windfall from the sale of star playmaker Verbic.
Copenhagen are sixth in the league and Solbakken is searching for a leader to boost the squad for the resumption of the campaign in February.
Sviatchenko hasn’t played for Celtic since being forced off in the Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg in August and is now fourth choice behind Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic, Ajer and Compper.
Manager Brendan Rodgers won’t stand in the defender’s way after he signed for Ronny Deila two years ago from Midtjylland.
Sviatchenko is set to have other options during the window but a door to his homeland remains open.
Celtic travel to Dundee for today’s lunchtime clash and Rodgers had his players in on Christmas Day.
The manager said: “If you want success and to be consistent then you must work. Thankfully we have a group of players who have bought into that.
“They have the hunger. We never let them have a lazy day, the mentality is ingrained in them. They have to fight, work and improve.
“You could easily let them go home but you have to earn your money. There is a price to pay.
“So we trained at 5.30pm on Christmas Day then it’s a drive up to Dundee and stay in a hotel. It’s a privileged life but you have to make sacrifices.”