AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed that the Rossoneri are no longer interested in making a move for Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer.

Speaking ahead of the game against the Hoops in the Europa League this evening, Pioli said that they were looking at the Norwegian international in the summer but they are now content with the options they have available in the squad:

“Yes, we did follow him in the summer. But I am really happy with the squad we have got. I have a lot of players in that position and I am happy with that.”

Reports in the Italian press last month suggested that Milan wanted to sign Ajer on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for €15m (£13.6m) if certain conditions were met. However, a move never materialised with Celtic demanding a transfer fee of €20m (£18m) upfront for the defender.

Doubts do remain over the future of the Norwegian, though, with the player’s contract set to expire in 20 months’ time. If he doesn’t sign an extension, the Scottish champions may have to consider selling the centre-half at the end of the season. Arsenal and Leicester have also been credited with an interest in the defender in recent months.