Football Insider has reported that Kristoffer Ajer’s representatives are using the international break to engineer a “big-money” move away from Parkhead.
The Norwegian international – according to the report – is said to be keen to leave Glasgow before the window shuts and is believed to be one of the players that is no longer on the gaffer’s Christmas card list.
Neil Lennon questioned the integrity of some of his stars following the Champions League defeat to Ferencvaros and with the 22-year old in and out of the team this season, it appears that all is not well between the two parties, the boss was pretty clear how he felt about those potentially not interested in staying for what is sure to be a tense title race:
“Get your mentality right, get your attitude right. If some of you don’t want to be here, leave.”
Celtic are in a much better negotiating position now if they do decide to cash-in with the arrival of Shane Duffy on loan from Brighton, Ajer cost them little more than a development fee when Ronny Deila persuaded the then 17-year old to move to Scotland, so if the club gets anywhere near their rumoured £20million valuation, the gaffer could be given a significant boost to his transfer budget.
Is Ajer now free to leave Celtic?
Yes
No
Lennon’s side had the best defence in the league last season and either with or without Ajer it has been strengthened with the addition of Duffy, whether or not the Norwegian will ever line up alongside the Irishman will depend purely on the player’s attitude and performances in training and how much the gaffer wants to retain his services.