Norway’s youngest international, 15, linked to Premier League

Norway’s next big thing Martin Odegaard is reportedly on the radar of the majority of Europe’s top football clubs, after the teenager has wowed at club Stromsgodset in his debut season so far.

His outstanding performances, where he has netted three times and made many assists in 20 games, have already earned him an international call-up at the age of just 15 years and 253 days.

He was called up to the senior Norway side in August by head coach Per-Mathias Hogmo, for a friendly with the United Arab Emirates, playing the whole game that ended 0-0.

Odegaard has already trained with the likes of Premier League titans Manchester United (14/1 to win the title) and German giants Bayern Munich (7/2 to claim the Champions League), but Hogmo has warned against a move to a big team just yet.

“He is a special talent, but it is not easy to say what would be the next best move,” the Norway boss said. “He has two choices.

“Whether he goes to a mid-range club that helps his development, such as Ajax, or he goes directly to an absolute top club. You can see that most players that take the second route don’t usually succeed.”

Those are certainly wise words from the experienced coach Hogmo, who has worked with the national set-up through all the ages during his managerial career.

Meanwhile, on Odegaard’s first cap, he previously said: “Martin has performed at a high level for a longer period. He has shown quality in the Tippeligaen (Norwegian top-flight) and he created chances on his [international] debut.”

Odegaard, who has been called up again for Norway for the Euro 2016 qualifiers with Bulgaria and Malta, has also been tracked by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus, PSG and Monaco as well. He is a reported Liverpool fan, though, with the Reds also said to be interested.

Norway lost their first Group G game to Italy, but are 20/1 chances to top the pool, that also includes Croatia and Azerbaijan.