Borussia Dortmund are plotting a move for Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer next summer. According to recent reports, the Bundesliga are keen on making a swoop for the Norwegian defender when the transfer window opens this summer.
The Hoops youngster has put in some eye-catching displays for the Glaswegian giants during the course of this season under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers. He signed for Celtic for a fee in the region of £500,000 from Start in the summer of 2016. The 19-year-old also had a short loan spell at Kilmarnock in the last campaign. Ajer has featured in 26 matches for Celtic this season across all competitions but is yet to find the back of the net.
Some sources are claiming that Peter Stöger’s side are prepared to inquire about his availability this summer ahead of a potential big-money switch at the end of the season. However, they will face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Watford in pursuit of the teenager’s services. Dortmund chiefs still reckon that they are in pole position to land the player in the off-season.
With Ajer being touted to make a move in the summer, let’s take a look at three replacements for the Hoops to consider.
James Tarkowski
The Burnley centre-back has put in some impressive performances at the backline for Sean Dyche’s team during the course of this Premier League campaign. He will be the perfect replacement for Ajer and could turn out to be a clever signing for the Hoops if they can pull off such a deal. The 25-year-old English defender has featured in 26 matches for the Clarets this season and has been an integral figure in his team’s climb to the top half of the Premier League standings.
Jonny Evans
The Baggies centre-back has made a major improvement to his game for the West Midlands outfit following his departure from Old Trafford a few years ago. Celtic can offer him regular first-team football at Celtic Park if Ajer ends up leaving the club which might be enough to convince him to join Brendan Rodgers’ revolution at Glasgow.
The Northern Ireland defender has a wealth of experience in English football having made 232 appearances in the Premier League during his time with Manchester United, Sunderland and now, West Bromwich Albion.
David Abraham
The Argentine centre-back has been solid at the back for Eintracht Frankfurt this season and his positive contributions have helped his team climb to 6th position in the Bundesliga table. They are still in well in contention of earning a Champions League spot for next season which has mainly been down to Abraham’s performances.
