Big boys want Kris but I hope he remains one of the Bhoys
Harald Brattbakk is desperate for Kristoffer Ajer to stay at Celtic for the long term.
But he says if the Norwegian wants out of Parkhead the club should cash in on him.
The former Hoops striker has watched Ajer closely with Celtic and the Norway national side.
He believes the 22-year-old is good enough to excel in one of Europe’s top leagues but isn’t sure now is the right time.
Ajer has been linked with a host of top clubs including AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Leicester and fellow Norwegian Brattbakk said: “My heart says Ajer should stay at Celtic. In fact, my heart says every good player should stay at Celtic.
“But my head says if he wants to move on he should be able to. It’s also a question for the club, if they see him as part of their future plans – or they want to get some money for him.
“If it’s the latter then it would obviously be wise to sell him.
“Whether that ’s in January or next summer I don’t know.
“But Ajer is still a young player, he’s only 22. The people in Norway believe h e ’s goo d enough to play in one of Europe’s big leagues.
“The problem with players at the Old Firm has always been that people don’t see them as having great competition, being the two best teams.
“Over the years we’ve had players perform well in Scotland and we’ve wondered if they’re good enough for the next level and they have been. I was lucky enough to play with some of the greatest players Celtic ever had so it’s possible.
“I’d like Ajer to stay for a long time at Celtic but if he want s to move on I understand it as well. “When he does that’s a di f ferent story.”