Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila wants to sign players like Scott Brown in his new job with Atlanta United.

The Norwegian was appointed boss of the MLS side just before Christmas and is beginning work ahead of the beginning of the new American season, which runs on a calendar year basis.

Deila, 49, has previous experience in the States, having won the MLS Cup with New York City a few years ago.

He is well equipped for the Atlanta job, and recently speaking after taking up his post, Deila explained how he wants to sign guys like Brown and Virgil Van Dijk, whom he had at Celtic.

The manager was asked what type of players he wants to bring to his new club: “It’s easy to say Virgil van Dijk and Martin Odegaard,” he said (RecordSport).

“But I think also Scott Brown at Celtic and Hans Vanaken at Club Brugge were fantastic. Scott Brown was special.

“I feel that I should work with people and be a part of their development. That’s what we need, we need those players and then it’s my job to get them to that environment that they go every day thinking about getting better.”

Deila spent two years in Glasgow, winning three out of a possible six domestic trophies. Brown was his captain for his whole spell.

The 39-year-old is now managing Ayr United, where he is set to bring in Celtic starlet Lenny Agbaire on loan until the end of the season.

Across the pond, Deila’s Atlanta have been recently linked with a move for Kyogo Furuhashi.

The MLS’ official website accidentally posted an article last night stating that the Japanese frontman had signed for ‘The Five Stripes’, although, as of now, he remains a Celtic player, having come off the bench in last night’s 2-0 win over Dundee United. Deila hasn’t tempted Kyogo Stateside yet.