If the latest reports coming out of Germany are true, Newcastle United now face serious competition over the signing of Celtic star Kristoffer Ajer.
Fussball Transfers claim that RB Leipzig have now joined the race to sign the 23-year-old who has been strongly linked with a summer move to St James’ Park for several months now.
The Bundesliga giants are in dire need for new centre-backs, with Ibrahima Konaté Liverpool bound and Dayot Upamecano agreeing to join Bayern Munich in a double deal worth a reported £72m.
The report states that Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix is their number one target, however it seems they’ll be looking to sign more than one given their two first-team centre-backs have already sealed summer moves.
Fussball Transfers also claim that German side Bayer Levekusen are also interested in the 6ft 5′ Norwegian who looks set to leave Celtic now he’s entering the final 12 months of his current contract.
It was reported earlier this month that he favoured a move to Tyneside and was closing in on a £6m move to the North-East, yet talk of an imminent move to Newcastle has cooled since then.
Not only that, his latest comments on his future suggest he’s yet to make any decision on his future:
“With one year left of my contract, that would be the best solution for me and my club. Something is going to happen this summer.
“There are of course many rumours. Right now it’s just rumours.
“I have one year left on my contract with Celtic and I relate to it, but something will probably happen this summer.
“I have one year left and will be loyal to the club.
“For both me and Celtic to get the best possible starting point, it probably makes sense that it happens this year.
“I have brought with me experience from almost 180 games for a top club like Celtic.”
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