Celtic assistant admits to ‘challenge’ regarding future of €25m Milan and Leicester target

By Oliver Fisher -

Celtic’s assistant manager John Kennedy has urged Kristoffer Ajer to consider snubbing interest from AC Milan in order to stay in Scotland.

A report from The Scottish Sun claims that the Rossoneri are desperately on the lookout for a new centre-back and have firmly set their sights on Ajer as the man who could be the new partner for captain Alessio Romagnoli.

In fact, it was reported by Calciomercato.com on Thursday that Milan are closely following the Norwegian defender and though there have been no negotiations with Celtic, there have been talks with Ajer’s entourage.

Leicester have also been credited with interest and the starting price for the auction has been set at €25m, but Kennedy hopes that the player sticks around.

“There’s always the challenge of clubs bidding for players and wanting to take them,” he said.

“In a way it’s nice as you know you have a group of players of value. We are in a position where we do have a lot of good young players.

We understand they will attract interest from elsewhere but we want to try to hold on to them. If we can keep this group together they are only going to improve.”

Speaking in March, Ajer’s agent Tore Pedersen said the defender would leave Parkhead this summer.

“He will not extend his contract with Celtic and will leave this summer,” he said.

“There are several clubs who are interested, but I can’t go into their names. There are many who have followed him for a long period.

“There are also clubs who would like to have him, but who cannot afford it. There is generally great interest in Kristoffer.”

Tags AC Milan Kristoffer Ajer
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