IFK Gothenburg’s Icelandic midfielder Teddy Bjarnason is set to spend time training with the Blues this week with a view to a possible move in January. The 24-year-old, who is also known as Theódór or Elmar, is a right winger or striker.
Bjarnason started his career in his native Iceland with KR ReykjavÃk before joining Celtic in 2004. After making only one appearance for the Glasgow side, the 5ft 10½in tall skilful wideman moved on to Norwegians Lyn Oslo in January 2008.
A year and a half later, with Lyn in financial problems, he joined his current club. During the 2011 Swedish season, which runs through the summer, Bjarnason made 24 league starts and three sub appearances, failing to score but creating three goals as his side finished seventh in the Allsvenskan (Sweden’s top flight). Overall, he has made 60 appearances for IFK, scoring four times.
Capped 10 times by Iceland, Bjarnason was linked with Leicester last month, with Dutch sides Feyenoord and Heerenveen also understood to be interested, having said he would be keen on a switch away from Sweden: "If a good foreign club makes an offer, I would like to move.
"But if I get a key role, I might consider staying. It depends on the new coach and what he wants."
That new coach Mikael Stahre has decided Bjarnason, who has a year left on his contract, and a number of other players are not in his plans.
If international clearance can be gained it’s possible that Bjarnason could feature for the reserves in Tuesday’s friendly against West Ham at Playford Road (KO 1pm).
Bjarnarson was previously linked with the Blues in 2004 while still playing in Iceland.