Watford are keeping tabs on Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer ahead of a potential move in the summer. According to recent reports, the Hornets are among a whole of clubs looking to secure the services of the Norwegian youngster. Some sources have recently claimed that Javi Gracia’s side will face competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton in pursuit of the Hoops centre-back’s signature.
The 19-year-old has successfully made a breakthrough in Brendan Rodgers’ first-team at Celtic Park this season after signing for the Glaswegian giants for a mere fee in the region of £500,000 from Start in the summer of 2016. He has put in some eye-catching displays for Celtic during the course of this campaign which has alerted the Hornets, who could now look to make a move for him in the off-season.
Ajer also had a loan spell at Kilmarnock last year which helped him grow and develop his game. The Norwegian starlet has made 27 appearances for the Hoops this term in all competitions but is yet to find the back of the net. It is believed that Dortmund are currently leading the chase for Ajer’s signature, which will dampen the Hertfordshire outfit’s hopes of making a swoop for the player this summer.
Javi Gracia’s team are currently sitting in the 12th position in the Premier League standings with a tally of 37 points in 33 league matches. They are a healthy 9 points above the drop zone with just 6 matches remaining in this campaign. Watford fans are hoping for a change in fortunes under their new boss Javi Gracia with an away game against Huddersfield Town looming on the horizon. It looks highly likely they won’t be involved in a relegation dogfight going into the business end of the campaign.
However, the Hornets are in dire need of some quality arrivals in the summer if they are to ensure their Premier League lives for another season. The addition of Ajer will undoubtedly bolster Gracia’s defensive options in the new campaign. Watford have the likes of Sebastian Prödl, Adrian Mariappa, Younes Kaboul, Christian Kabasele and Kiko Femenía vying for a place in Gracia’s first-team so the potential signing of Ajer will definitely add more competition for places in their squad.
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It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Ajer and whether the Hornets are successful in fending off stiff competition in pursuit of the Norwegian teenager’s signature.
