As Premier League clubs begin to take the necessary steps in order to make a safe return to the football pitch, players have continued to be linked with teams all around the world.

Leicester City are no exception to this, amid rumours that they are seriously considering a move for Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer. The Foxes are not the only team linked with him, with footballing powerhouse Real Madrid also potentially interested in a move for the Norway international.

Whilst Los Blancos may be put off by the fact that Ajer has yet to prove himself in one of Europe's top five division, Leicester certainly shouldn't be alarmed and Ajer would certainly fit the characteristics Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is looking for as he looks to recruit a new centre-back to bolster his ever-improving squad.

But why should the Foxes target the 22-year-old?

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Previous experience under Rodgers

Ajer was already a part of the Scottish giants' squad when Leicester manager Rodgers arrived in Glasgow but was ever present during his tenure North of the border.

Just like any centre-back Rodgers looks for, Ajer is comfortable in possession at the back and standing tall at six foot five, is a commanding presence who can muscle anyone off the ball.

Furthermore, Ajer is also a presence in the attacking areas of the pitch, regularly getting his name on the scoresheet from set pieces and despite still being relatively young at 22, can read the game impeccably.

For Ajer the 'Brendan Rodgers way' would come naturally to him and having enjoyed some of his best seasons under the Leicester boss, could trust him to take him to the next level.

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Versatility

The current squad at Leicester is not only one of the most talented, but also one of the most competitive in terms of squad depth. Predominantly used as a centre-back, Ajer can operate in both a back four and back five - even playing as a right-back in a four and a right wing-back in a five. 

The Norwegian can even play as a holding midfielder if needed, a position he played growing up,  before being converted to his more common defensive role where he could even give Rodgers the option to play five at a back - a formation that the Leicester boss has trialled on a few occasions.

Jonny Evans looks like he will remain Caglar Soyuncu's partner for a few more years yet but like captain Wes Morgan, Evans is the wrong side of 30. 

With Filip Benkovic's development not quite going the way the Foxes had hoped, Ryan Bennett's loan move looking unlikely to be made a permanent one and the revolutionary Soyuncu being touted with a move to champions elect Liverpool, Ajer is more than capable of providing some more competition and even being the long-term partner alongside Evans or Soyuncu.

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Affordable Alternative

It is no secret that Rodgers has wanted a centre-back during his time in the East Midlands. Having made failed attempts to lure James Tarkowski and Lewis Dunk from Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion, the Foxes also tried to bring in Merih Demiral from Juventus until the Turkey international injured himself, consequently ruling himself out for the rest of the season.

The Foxes were reportedly quoted sums in the regions of £30million plus for all of these players however Ajer looks like he could be a much cheaper, yet more reliable alternative.

Rumours circulating suggest that Ajer could be available for £25million and in the current market, could prove to be an impressive fee for a player who's value seems to be on the rise year by year.

Ajer's apparent refusal to sign a new deal at Celtic Park has sprung the attention of clubs across Europe but with Leicester potentially being able to offer the luxury of UEFA Champions League football next season, the Foxes may be able to tempt Ajer enough to reunite with Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium next season.

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