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Report: Everton want Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer

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According to 90Min, Everton are in the race to sign Celtic centre back Kristoffer Ajer – but Leicester City appear to be favourites.

It’s claimed that the Toffees have joined the battle for Ajer. They have been linked with a number of defenders ahead of the summer window, but are yet to strike a deal.

Lille star Gabriel and Barcelona talent Jean-Clair Todibo are the main names linked. Now though, Everton could look to Ajer instead.

However, they face a battle for the Norwegian. Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen, as are AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

Yet it’s believed that Leicester are leading the race to sign Ajer. Such a move would see him reunite with Brendan Rodgers, who left the Bhoys last year.

When Ajer joined Celtic in 2016, he was predominantly a box-to-box midfielder. However, Rodgers turned him into a centre back, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Kristoffer Ajer of Celtic looks on during the Scottish Cup Quarter Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at McDiarmid Park on March 01, 2020 in Perth, Scotland. (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old is a giant at 6ft 6in tall, and his experience in midfield means he is comfortable on the ball too – which will appeal to Everton.

This adds to Everton’s Celtic-based wish list. Celtic legend Pat Bonner told BBC Sport in February that he spoke to an Everton scout who loved midfielder Callum McGregor and striker Odsonne Edouard.

Moving for Ajer could turn a double swoop into a triple swoop, but they have work to do in order to beat Rodgers.

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