Newcastle are preparing to offer an £8m bid for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, according to the Daily Mail.
Ajer, only 22 years old, has set his sights on a move to the Premier League after making over 100 appearances for Celtic in all competitions.
The Norwegian centre half only has 12 months left on his contract at Celtic Park – which Newcastle think they can get a cut price deal in place with Ajer free to speak to clubs from January.
Celtic believe he is worth more towards the £35m mark, however feel they will get no where near that price with the player wanting to move on and only a year left on the deal.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has also encouraged Ajer to move on in the summer, by insisting, “He has to change league now. He must. He does not have enough challenges in everyday life there.”
Newcastle would need to secure Premier League survival to stand any chance of beating other teams to the signing – after being long admirers of the 6ft 6 centre half.
The Daily Mail also insist that this deal will not be affected by Bruce’s position at the club – showing how much control Bruce has of transfers and one reason why Ashley will be looking to keep Bruce.
If one or two defenders do move on in the summer, it looks to be a long term replacement with only Lascelles out of the current crop under the age of 28.
