KRISTOFFER AJER has the all-round ability to reach the highest level of football according to teammate Christopher Jullien, but the defender hopes they can maintain their partnership at the heart of the Celtic defence for 10-in-a-row at least.

Ajer has been consistently linked with a move to AC Milan throughout the summer, with the Italian giants keen admirers of the young Norwegian.

But while Julien believes that Ajer could flourish in any company, he has his finger crossed that the 22-year-old will stay at Celtic Park for a good while yet.

“He is a great defender and, ultimately, I think that he can do everything,” Jullien said.

“He runs a lot, he defends, he can take the ball into the midfield and play. He has so many qualities and, in the time since I have arrived at the club, I have seen him progress.

“My team-mates watched him progress before that and had seen it before, but from my time here, I just saw him just get more confident day by day and that’s good for him and the team.

“If it was down to just me, I’d be keeping all of the best players beside me for as long as I can.

“You don’t know how football goes, but myself and him understand each other when we are on the field and we help each other.

“I know the qualities that he has which can make my game better and he knows what I can do for him, so it’s really good for both of us.

“Just to have him on the same side as me is great and I want it more.”

Jullien meanwhile dismissed reports from France that he could be heading home this summer, with Amiens linked with a bid to prise him away from Celtic Park.

“It was on Thursday when someone sent me that,” he said. “I thought it’s crazy.

“I will definitely be at Celtic, that’s for sure.”