Liverpool have been scouting Celtic centre-half Kristoffer Ajer, according to reports in the Scottish media.

The Reds are likely to be weighing up their options as they look for a replacement for Dejan Lovren, who was sold to Zenit St Petersburg earlier this summer.

Ajer has two years left on his contract at Celtic Park but, back in March, his former agent claimed that the Norwegian international would not be looking to sign an extension to his current deal.

It prompted talk about a possible departure, with the likes of Leicester and AC Milan being heavily linked with the 22-year-old. At the time, manager Neil Lennon said the player was worth more than £15m, with some reports suggesting he is valued at around £20m by the Hoops.

Ajer was originally an attacking midfielder when he first arrived in Scotland, but he was converted into a defender by Brendan Rodgers. His ability to play in a number of positions may well have caught the attention of Liverpool’s scouts.