BRENDAN RODGERS will be told he has no chance of getting Kristoffer Ajer if he makes a £15million move for Celtic centre-half Kristoffer Ajer.
The former Hoops manager, who left the champions in February, has been linked with the towering Norwegian international, according to the Scottish Sun on Sunday.
Rodgers is preparing to bank a world record fee of £80million for a defender when Harry Maguire signs for Manchester United – that’s £5million more than Liverpool splashed for ex-Celt Virgil van Dijk when they signed him from Southampton.
And the Irishman apparently rates his former back-four performer in the £15million bracket, the same price range as AC MIlan who were reported to be showing an interest in the player.
Neil Lennon has already laughed off the valuation of the Italian club and his predecessor will undoubtedly get the same treatment. The current gaffer has already admitted he would like Ajer to sign an extension on his contract which is due to expire in 2022.
With £7million New Bhoy Christopher Jullien and Jozo Simunovic suspended, the versatile 10-times capped international, 21, was at the centre of the champions’ makeshift defence alongside Nir Bitton in their 7-0 romp over St Johnstone at Parkhead yesterday.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has hailed the fee agreed with the Old Trafford side as “incredible business”, but insisted he will not be held to ransom if and when he replaces the England central defender.
He said: “If we can do some more business, then great. If not, then we will go with what we have got.
“As soon as we know Harry’s situation, we can activate interest elsewhere.”
Asked if he feared having to pay huge sums with £80million banked for Maguire, the former Liverpool Head Coach answered: “We have our own valuation on players we might look to bring in.”
Celtic have already told Arsenal what to do with their meagre £15million submission for Kieran Tierney last month and the London side are still hopeful an improved £25million offer will be accepted before the Premier League transfer deadline arrives on Thursday at 5pm
