Report: Celtic in talks with Rubin Kazan over Starfelt for £4m

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Celtic are in ”direct contact’ with Rubin Kazan central defender Carl Starfelt over personal terms, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer guru has claimed that the figure will act as a replacement for Kristoffer Ajer.

The Norwegian defender has been linked with an exit from Celtic Park all summer long.

A few clubs across Europe are interested in the 23-year-old, including teams from Germany, England and Italy.

Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan, Newcastle United and Norwich City are all battling for the ace.

Ajer wants a fresh challenge after five years with the Parkhead outfit.

Romano is claiming that the Bhoys are in talks with the Russian club over a deal. Meanwhile, Daily Record have revealed the outfit are demanding in excess of £4m.

TBR View: Starfelt could be a shrewd acquisition for Celtic

Starfelt would be a shrewd acquisition for Celtic, who will need a quality replacement for Ajer.

Despite his struggles last season, he has been an outstanding figure for the team since his arrival in 2016.

176 first-team appearances and three league titles before the age of 24 is a testament to his ability.

It’s no surprise he’s attracting interest from the likes of AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.

However, in Starfelt, the club are attracting a similar profile of centre-half.

The figure stands at six foot one, similar stature to Ajer. Meanwhile, Starfelt is also a ball-playing defender. He completed 91.4% of his passes in the Russian Premier League across 29 appearances.

Starfelt broke into the Sweden national team last October, making three appearances. However, he narrowly missed out on a place in their Euro 2020 squad.

Replacing Ajer will be difficult, but, for £4m Starfelt would be an outstanding move.