A report by The Athletic has claimed that Newcastle United haven’t given up hope signing Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer. The Magpies were thought to have closed in on a deal back in May but a derisory £6m was effectively booted out by the board.
With the Hoops already rejecting two bids of £10m from English Premier League side Norwich City, and Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle will need to dig a little deeper if they really want to get their man.
Steve Bruce is reportedly keen to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new season and may see Ajer as the perfect fit for the Geordies.
Ajer has made no secret of his desire to leave Paradise this summer after he spoke of “a promise” by the Celtic powerbrokers last season where if he stayed and helped the club win their tenth title in a row, he would be allowed to leave at the end of the season, “There are many rumours, and right now there are only rumours.
“It is clear that something will happen this summer. It is the best for both parties.
“I was promised I could leave last summer, but we then agreed I would stay to try and help club win 10 in a row.
“That was important to the club, but unfortunately we didn’t succeed. Now I’m expecting the club to keep its word.”
If Ajer does eventually move on, and all the indications are that he will, hopefully the Celtic board will maximise the fee received and hand it straight back to Ange Postecoglou as he continues his Parkhead rebuild.