---
title: "Celtic: Fabrizio Romano shares Carl Starfelt update"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-fabrizio-romano-shares-carl-starfelt-update/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-07-11T13:40:41Z"
modified: "2021-07-11T13:40:41Z"
---

# Celtic: Fabrizio Romano shares Carl Starfelt update

**Celtic have stepped down in their attempts to sign Rubin Kazan defender Carl Starfelt, according to transfer expert [Fabrizio Romano](https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=263785902215575&id=100057525006204#_=_).**

### The Lowdown: Ajer latest

Kristoffer Ajer has [made it clear](https://twitter.com/arilasos/status/1400733868735488001) that he wants to leave Parkhead this summer and was [unhappy that the Hoops rejected two bids in the region of £10m](https://theathletic.com/2672914/2021/06/25/ajers-hopes-of-leaving-celtic-in-doubt-as-club-reject-10m-bids-from-leverkusen-and-norwich/) for his services last month from Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen.

The centre-back has just [12 months remaining](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kristoffer-ajer/profil/spieler/328658) on his Celtic contract, but the Hoops have now turned down an offer from Brentford which could be worth £15m after [reports emerged on Saturday](https://www.tv2.no/sport/14111118/).

They are holding out for [£20m for Ajer](https://www.tv2.no/sport/14111118/), and it seems as if the Norwegian’s future could well impact Celtic’s move for Starfelt.

[Celtic updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-9/)

### The Latest: Romano’s update

[Romano posted to his 1.3m Facebook followers](https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=263785902215575&id=100057525006204#_=_) on Saturday night, claiming that the Hoops have stepped down from talks over a move for Starfelt. He outlined:

> “Celtic have offered 5m to Rubin Kazan to sign Carl Starfelt as new centre-back. But at the moment talks are not progressing as Celtic have stepped down – waiting for next steps also on Ajer’s future.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”363792″\]

### The Verdict: McKay playing with fire

Celtic CEO Dominic McKay appears to be playing a dangerous game here. A recent offer from Brentford which could have amounted to £15m seems to be an acceptable figure for a player who could discuss a free transfer in the New Year should his situation remain the same.

Celtic could use that £15m to bolster numerous areas of Ange Postecoglou’s squad ahead of the new season, including the possible arrival of Starfelt, but the Hoops want £5m more for a wantaway player.

McKay could well end up with egg on his face if the interested clubs pull out of the race for Ajer, whose future should be a situation to keep a close eye upon over the coming weeks.

***In other news: ‘We’re a mess’ – [Many Celtic fans fume as ‘mental’ news is confirmed.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-transfer-rumours/celtic-fans-react-to-vakoun-bayo-transfer/)***