FORMER Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer is reportedly a transfer target for Everton as Frank Lampard aims to bolster his defence next season.
The 24-year-old has been a stand-out performer for newly promoted Brentford this season and has now caught the eye of the Everton boss.
Kristoffer Ajer left Celtic for £13.5 million The Toffees only just staved off relegation last season finishing four points above the drop zone, and Lampard wants to sign a defender to ensure that they are looking up instead of down the table next term.
And Kristoffer Ajer is now being lined up by the Toffees as another defensive option to add to the ranks at Goodison Park.
With Ben Godfrey apparently attracting the interest of now Saudi-owned Newcastle and the future of Yerry Mina looking uncertain, Everton may be forced to make a move for the Norwegian centre-back.
The Athletic are reporting that the former Parkhead defender could make the move to Merseyside – however the price tag in the deal could be the stumbling block.
Brentford are rumoured to command a hefty transfer fee for their highly-rated defender after his standout season guiding them to an impressive 13th placed finish in the English Premier League.
Ajer originally moved to Brentford for a whopping £13.5million from Celtic last summer and the fee is set to be even higher for a further move so early into his contract.
Elsewhere, Tom Rogic has pulled out from the Australia squad just before their upcoming World Cup qualifying clash, because of ‘personal reasons.’
The midfielder was due to join up with the international side to face the United Arab Emirates in the qualifying semi-final, but will now not be available to select by Graham Arnold.
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Rogic’s future is still uncertain after he left Celtic following his Scottish Premiership success.
But he will now not feature in the make-or-break clash in the World Cup qualifiers.
A short statement from the Australian national side read: “We wish Tom well as we continue to focus on the task ahead in Doha.”
“We wish Tom well as we continue to focus on the task ahead in Doha.”
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Manager Graham Arnold also added: “My focus must now be on the players we have here in Qatar.
“We have selected an extended squad of quality players and I believe that we will achieve something special for Australia over the next two weeks.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
