That figure was the main reason Southampton backed off from the chase last weekend and snapped up Blackburn’s Adam Armstrong instead.
Brighton have also looked closely at Edouard — with Graham Potter an admirer.
But his wages are a bit rich as they now search elsewhere for the solution to their chronic scoring problem.
Edouard is in the last year of his contract and Celtic won’t stand in his way if they get the right offer.
Boss Ange Postecoglou has benched him for the last three games and he could again be a sub against Hearts in the Premier Sports Cup.
The Foxes were one of the leading contenders to sign the Norwegian international, with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Everton and Wolves also said to be keeping tabs on the player.
However, it appears Brendan Rodgers will not be looking to snap up Ajer, with the Premier League club said to be eyeing other centre-back targets.
The news will likely be welcomed by manager Neil Lennon who has been adamant that the 22-year-old won’t leave Celtic Park unless a sizeable bid comes along.
Last summer, the Hoops boss said that Ajer is worth a lot more than £15m when AC Milan were reportedly interested in the centre-back. Some reports have valued the Norwegian as high as £25m.
That figure is likely to have been reduced since then due to the current financial climate, but the Scottish champions are under no pressure to sell.
Ajer’s agent has stated in recent months that the player would be open to leaving Scotland but Lennon quickly closed down those comments by stating the defender has two years remaining on his contract.
