Rumor Mongering: Liverpool Face Competition for Celtic Defender Ajer

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If the rumors are to be believed, West Brom are also interested in the  £20m rated Norwegian defender.

After the departure of Dejan Lovren from the Liverpool squad, there is an opening for a fourth-choice central defender. Or a third-choice, considering Joel Matip is still/once again injured.

Regardless, the current options within the squad leave quite a bit to be desired. Although Liverpool have some interesting youth prospects, most notably Billy Koumetio, most Reds would not be comfortable with Nathaniel Phillips slotting into the defense for long stretches of the season.

This week an interesting option has emerged: Celtic defender and Norwegian international Kristoffer Ajer. The 22-year-old has made over 40 appearances for the Scottish champions in each of the last two seasons, and appears ready for the next step in his development. Plus, at 6’6”, he’s an absolute giant—always a good quality in central defenders.

Of course Liverpool are linked. We’re good for clicks. This is most likely the kind of A (Liverpool could probably do with a defender) + B (Hey! Here’s a defender who might be available!) = C (Liverpool are totes in for this guy). But maybe Liverpool are in for him.

If so, it looks like Liverpool will have to find approximately £20 million between the couch cushions. And, according to The Athletic, Liverpool will face competition from freshly promoted West Brom. So there’s that.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com