Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CELTIC FEAR DED LOSS
Fulham set to launch £9m raid for Belgium’s World Cup star but Ajer urges defender to stay
CELTIC are braced for a big money bid for Dedryck Boyata with Fulham ready to slap £9million on the table for the Belgium international.
The Hoops are reluctant to sell the centre-back but the megubucks offer and huge wages in London could make the deal difficult to turn down.
Boyata has been subject of speculation over his future all summer as he enters in to the final 12 months of his contract.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to tie the 26-year-old down on a longer deal but the Belgian is a hot property after his performances at the World Cup.
Boyata played in the group games as the Red Devils finished third in Russia and has been trailed by Serie A Lazio as well as Lyon in France.
Fulham are tooling up after promotion to the Premier League and are poised to sign Arsenal defender Calum Chambers on a season’s loan.
The Craven Cottage side are also tracking Southampton’s Matt Targett but Boyata remains high on their wishlist ahead of the English transfer window closing at 5pm on Thursday.
However, Parkhead star Kris Ajer (below) is hoping the Hoops can hang on to his defensive partner. He said: “Of course I would like to see him stay. He’s been fantastic at Celtic, which is a club that has a lot of fantastic players. I would like to keep playing beside him and keep learning from him.
“Dedryck’s been back for a few weeks now and he is a top professional who always keeps fit.
“He was obviously very happy with Belgium’s World Cup achievements. It was great for them and good to see.
‘Dedryk and other experienced centre-halves have helped my development a lot. He talks to me every single game we play together.
“We played a lot together last season and he was fantastic at communicating with me throughout the game. He’s been really helpful.”
Celtic boss Rodgers is looking to strengthen his squad rather than lose key men.
The Hoops boss is set to secure Daniel Azani on a two-year loan deal from Manchester City as soon as his move from Melbourne City goes through this week.
Celtic have backed off their bid for John Mcginn but are waiting to step back in once the English market has closed and Hibs have not received their £4m asking price.”