Reported Tottenham target Kristoffer Ajer admits he’s not at Virgil van Dijk’s level

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Tottenham Hotspur have recently been linked with a potential move for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer. 

Norwegian outlet Sporten has reported that Tottenham are ready to reignite their interest in the 21-year-old centre-back after his agent confirmed a summer exit from Glasgow was likely.

The report also suggests that Ajer would be valued at around €30 million (£26.7m).

Ajer has been in good form for Celtic and has been compared by some to former Celtic star and current £75m (BBC) Liverpool hero Virgil van Dijk. 

But it would be a mistake from Tottenham to think they are getting their hands on the next Van Dijk when moving for Ajer. As good as the Norwegian is, he is far off being in the same talent pool as the Dutchman at present. 

Even the player himself has admitted as much. Speaking to the Daily Record this week, Ajer confirmed he has some way to go before he can start being compared to the Liverpool colossus. 

“Of course, it is flattering to be compared to one of the world’s best footballers, but I still have a lot to develop in my game. I work hard on this every single day in Scotland.

“There are many areas of my game I need to improve.

“I need to be better at judging whether to tackle to win a ball or stand on my feet, I need to be better at attacking set-pieces and I also need to get more experience.”

Tottenham are going to be in the hunt for a new centre-back when the current campaign ends. Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth seem to be on the fringes whilst Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier, and Davinson Sanchez have shown patchy form this term.

Ajer, however, is not the player Tottenham need if they are going to make their way back into the title mix. 

Van Dijk needed to develop at Southampton before reaching the levels needed for Liverpool to invest and, for Ajer, a similar sort of move would appear best.