Director discusses signing £20m Celtic ace, suggests he isn’t first-choice target

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Paulo Maldini has played down speculation linking AC Milan with an imminent move for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, speaking to Sky Italia.

While no one is suggesting the Rossoneri are ready to challenge for Scudetto glory again after almost a decade mired in mid-table mediocrity, it certainly seems the seven-time European champions are on the right track.

After winning nine and drawing three of their final 12 Serie A fixtures in 2019/20, an exciting and improving Milan side – albeit one inspired by 38-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic – began the new campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Bologna on Monday night.

But with just a fortnight remaining in the transfer window, Milan are running out of time in their attempt to bring a new centre-back to the San Siro.

And while Maldini isn’t easily ruffled, he knows he’s up against it.

“The need is a central defender, we have two out of five available (to play),” says the legendary Italian, now Milan’s technical director.

“(Fiorentina’s Nikola) Milenkovic and Ajer could be part of the names we are evaluating, but they aren’t the only ones and they are not the ones on whom we are working (right now).”

Clearly, Ajer is still on Milan’s radar.

But the Norway international isn’t the first-choice option – nor is he in advanced discussions over a move to Italy, as has been reported by some sections of the press.

The Record reports Celtic want £20 million, with the Scandinavian not only a fine centre-half but also integral to Neil Lennon’s possession-based game plan thanks to his marauding runs into midfield and line-breaking through balls.

Finding a replacement for Ajer would be easier said than done for a club on Celtic’s budget.