http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07072011/58/bundesliga-hamburg-sign-skjelbred.htmlBundesliga - Hamburg sign Skjelbred
Thu, 07 Jul 13:56:00 2011
Hamburg have secured the services of midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred from Rosenborg on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Skjelbred made his debut for Rosenborg as a 16-year-old and subsequently went on to feature 150 times for the first team. During that time the midfielder gained vital Champions League experience ahead of his move to Hamburg.
It appeared that the Norwegian would sign for a major European club in the past as Liverpool and Newcastle were both linked with the player. Neither side managed to strike a deal and he opted to remain with Rosenborg.
Hamburg head coach Michael Oenning has been on the trail of Hamburg's latest acquisition for some time, admitting: “During my time at Nuremberg I tried to sign him but a deal never happened.
After meeting with the player at the club's training ground, Oenning also added "We had a good chat. He's a nice, friendly guy."
The 24-year old’s contract is due to start in January of next year but the German side are keen to negotiate an earlier start date with the Norwegian side but that will depend on whether they can secure a suitable replacement for the player.
"We are trying to get him earlier," confirmed Oenning. "We'll just have to wait and see what happens over the next few days."
Eurosport
