AC Milan’s long-held interest in Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer is over, the Glasgow Times reports.
The Herald Times and Sport believes that the Hoops booted out an offer from the Serie A heavyweights after they approached the club with an offer to take Ajer to Italy.
However, the Glasgow Times states that Milan have now moved on to Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who they’ll look to secure on a season-long loan deal.
The source also states that Ajer would’ve been interested in the move, but is now focused on securing 10-in-a-row with Celtic. The Glasgow Times reports that there is no interest from down south despite previous links to West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City.
Ajer has been a constant in the Celtic side this season, playing in 12 of the club’s 13 matches so far (Transfermarkt).
A massive boost for the club
Words can’t describe just how big this is for Celtic. Ensuring that Ajer doesn’t go anywhere this summer, and indeed when January comes around, is a monumental objective in our race to secure the 10.
Had Ajer departed, Celtic effectively would’ve lost one of their first-choice defenders and on-field leaders. He takes a lot of responsibility in this Hoops team, and often puts it on himself to open up packed defences with his runs out from the back.
Losing that weapon would’ve been a big blow, especially when you consider how much we’re struggling to break down opposition sides who put everyone behind the ball.
Of course, there’s nothing to stop interested parties coming in for the player in January. Or even another late surge from Milan if they fail to land Rudiger. But Celtic have stuck to their guns throughout the summer, and they’re starting to reap their rewards for doing so.
With Rangers coming up in two weeks’ time at Celtic Park, Ajer will be pencilled in as playing a big role. You can’t just take him out and expect to replace a talent like the Norwegian so easily.
Hopefully, there are no nasty late twists as the day goes on, but it looks for now as though Ajer is staying put as Milan reportedly look elsewhere.
In other news, a top-class Celtic-linked defender is reportedly in talks with a Ligue 1 club.
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