Leicester City have been linked with a move for Celtic’s young centre-back Kristoffer Ajer, who has impressed for the Bhoys after signing for them in 2016.
Current Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers knows the Norwegian international well, having managed him while he was at Celtic.
According to Daily Mail, the Foxes have reportedly scouted the 21-year-old recently, and they could make a move for him in the January transfer window.
Ajer signed a new deal with the Scottish champions last season, extending his stay at Celtic till 2022. The Norwegian, who moved from IK Start in the Norwegian League to Celtic in 2016 for £650,000.
Ajer has made over 100 appearances for Celtic despite being just 21 years of age, scoring three goals and two assists, and winning two league titles. He has also played for the Norwegian national team, making 12 appearances for his country since debuting in 2018.
Is Ajer a good option for Rodgers?
Leicester City have done very well in the 2019-20 season, despite losing one of their best players, Harry Maguire, in the summer.
Jonny Evans and Caglar Söyüncü have formed a formidable partnership at the back, which has helped propel Leicester to third on the table, two points behind Premier League holders Manchester City in second.
But the Foxes don’t have quality cover for the two centre-backs as Filip Benković seems to be out of favour with manager Brendan Rodgers, while captain Wes Morgan is coming to the end of his career. Rodgers has shortlisted Kristoffer Ajer as the one to provide competition to Evans and Söyüncü, and he would be a very wise choice.
The 21-year-old is a technically gifted player who is good with the ball at his feet, while also being defensively solid. Ajer is primarily a central defender, but the versatile Norwegian has played as a defensive midfielder as well as a right-back at Celtic.
Ajer can dribble past players and is nimble on his feet, despite his 6’6″ frame, while his height also allows him to be a strong header of the ball. In the Europa League for Celtic this season, Ajer has won an average of 3.7 headers, while averaging 1.7 tackles and 2.7 clearances.
The young Norwegian is a leader at the back, captaining the IK Start team at 16, while also being a solid defender. He could be a great addition to the Leicester team, and provide firm competition to the duo of Evans and Söyüncü.