Celtic have stepped down in their attempts to sign Rubin Kazan defender Carl Starfelt, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Ajer latest

Kristoffer Ajer has made it clear that he wants to leave Parkhead this summer and was unhappy that the Hoops rejected two bids in the region of £10m for his services last month from Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen.

The centre-back has just 12 months remaining 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.

They are holding out for £20m for Ajer, and it seems as if the Norwegian’s future could well impact Celtic’s move for Starfelt.

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The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano posted to his 1.3m Facebook followers 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.”

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.

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