Reports tonight in Norway claim Celtic have knocked back a £15m bid for their star defender Kristoffer Ajer.
Norweigan TV2 is reporting Brentford made a bid of £12m plus £3m worth of future bonuses to secure the defender who is now in the final year of his Celtic deal.
The same report claims the club want nearer £20m to part with Ajer this summer and they’re not going to budge.
If that’s the case, TV2 claim there’s a good chance Ajer will see out the final year of his Celtic deal before moving on.
Verdict
If these reports are true, Celtic could be playing a game of cat and mouse with interested parties hoping to get nearer their valuation. It’s a dangerous game to play because Kris will be able to sign a pre-contract with any club he likes in January with Celtic getting nothing.
The defender has expressed his desire to leave the club earlier this summer, as quoted by RecordSport.
“It is clear that something will happen this summer. It is the best for both parties.”
“I have one year left and will be loyal to the club. For both me and Celtic to get the best possible starting point, it probably makes sense that it happens this year.
“I have gained good experience after playing almost 180 games for a top club like Celtic.
“I have experienced how football can be on good and bad days. So it has been a very good experience.”
It remains to be seen what will happen with Kris. The centre-back has not kicked a ball yet this pre-season, committed from the first two pre-season friendlies under Ange Postecoglou.
