
Benjamin Nygren gets 'fearless' Celtic billing as Alexander Isak lavishes praise on Hoops transfer target
The Hoops are in advanced talks to land the FC Nordsjaelland playmaker
Celtic-bound Benjamin Nygren has been dubbed 'fearless' by Sweden teammate Alexander Isak.
The FC Nordsjaelland star is close to agreeing a £1.7million move to Parkhead, with the midfielder available on a cut price deal because he is into the final six months of his contract in Denmark.
Nygren enjoyed a superb campaign in the Danish Superliga last season, scoring 15 times in 30 league outings.
Those displays were enough to catch the eye of Swedish national team boss Jon Dahl Tomasson, who handed Nygren his first senior cap in a shock loss to Luxembourg back in March. The Hoops target then marked his first start for his country days later with a goal in a 5-1 thumping of Northern Ireland.
And Newcastle talisman Isak - who is the subject of stellar interest from top clubs around Europe this summer - has lavished Nygren with praise for his impact at international level.
He said: "It was very good to play with Benjamin. I really enjoyed it. It's clear he is a fearless player who has a lot of confidence.
"Playing with a winger like that who is able to provide good crosses can only be beneficial for someone like me.
"I think he did incredibly well in the two games and it was a nice boost for him that he was also able to score his goal too."
Last month, Nygren made it no secret that he wants to play in the Champions League - something that Celtic may well be able to offer him.
He stated: "The last two years I have shown that I have taken the next step in my career, become a regular starter and I feel I have delivered at a high level for a long time,
"I have developed a lot - not only on the tactical levels, but also as a player on the pitch and as a leader.
"I am 23 years old and a captain already, which says a lot. My leadership skills are something that I have developed greatly.
"I have always seen myself as someone who wants to lead and wants to show others and set a good example both on and off the field.
"Playing in the Europa Conference League where I scored a hat-trick against Fenerbahce, was a big boost to my confidence and my dream is to play in the Champions League.
"I make no secret of the fact that I have high ambitions and want to play in the best leagues and play in the Champions League.
"And if you want to play in the biggest tournaments, you probably have to take the move forward from here."
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