Celtic are keen to resolve the future of wantaway defender Kristoffer Ajer as soon as possible after turning down a staggered offer from Brentford, per the Daily Record.
Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou appears to be planning crunch talks with the Swedish enforcer to discuss his future in Glasgow. Ajer has entered the final year of his current contract at Parkhead and has made his desires to leave clear.
But, Newcastle United and Norwich City have baulked at Celtic’s demands, closing off two Premier League exit routes. It also remains to be seen if newly-promoted Brentford return with a revised offer after their £15m bid was rejected.
Reports by The Scottish Sun over the weekend claimed Brentford offered Celtic a staggered £15m for Ajer. The Bees would have paid £12m for the 23-year-old this summer, plus an additional £3m in performance and success-related add-ons.
But Celtic snubbed the offer as they want a fixed £15m upfront to sell Ajer. The Hoops’ stance could now see the 23-cap international stay at Parkhead for next season, and he is being earmarked for his pre-season debut against Bristol City on Wednesday.
Celtic and Postecoglou planning new talks with Ajer would also suggest Bayer Leverkusen are not willing to pay £15m. The Northern Echo reported the Bundesliga side were increasingly confident of a deal last month after talks with his agent.
Postecoglou to keep Ajer at Celtic as interest shrinks
Ajer’s plans to leave Celtic this summer may now hinge on Brentford improving their offer. But TV2 also suggested over the weekend that no side – including the Bees, Norwich or Bayer Leverkusen – is willing to pay the Hoops’ overall asking price of around £20m.
All clubs have effectively rescinded their interest in the £14,000-per-week enforcer. Leaving Ajer with few options but to hear what Postecoglou has to say and potential stay at Celtic.
Postecoglou will likely prefer Ajer to stay for another year, having been a mainstay of the Celtic backline last season. The new Hoops boss’ plans to sign Carl Starfelt are also at risk of collapsing, per the Daily Record, with Rubin Kazan trying to raise the fee required.
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