Newcastle pushing to sign Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer
Newcastle need to strengthen their defense this summer.
The latest reports in England suggest that Newcastle United are pushing to sign Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer.
The 23-year-old has been subject to interest from various Premier League clubs.
The Norway international joined Celtic from Start for a fee in the region of 600,000 euros in July 2016. His contract expires in the summer of 2022.
This season, Ajer has scored 2 goals and provided 4 assists in 46 appearances for Celtic.
The 23-year-old is considered to be one of the best centre-backs in Norway. Ajer has earned 21 senior caps for the Norway national team but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his nation.
The Norway international has impressed in the Premiership this season and is starting to attract the interest of bigger clubs.
The report details that Steve Bruce feels his defense currently lacks some bite and that he could strengthen this summer. Bruce is a long term admirer of Kristoffer Ajer and believes he can get the most out of the Norway international.
Newcastle are desperate to make an impact in the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old has a good defensive mind, someone who can spot attacking threats and nullify them. Ajer has the quality and the experience to make an immediate impact.
According to the report, “Newcastle United are pushing to secure the signing of Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer. Celtic are reportedly welcoming new manager Eddie Howe to the club at the end of this week or start of next week. The ex-Bournemouth manager will deal with several squad issues, including the futures of players who may want to leave. However, the Daily Record claims Ajer to Newcastle may be done before Howe even gets a chance to speak with the player. Newcastle have been scouting Ajer for some time, and are hoping to secure him for around £8million. Celtic would like a fee closer to £16 million, and 23-year-old Ajer is torn between staying at Celtic Park or moving to the Premier League.”
TOP FOOTBALL TRANSFERS
The Scottish giants are not in a position where they need to sell and would like to keep hold of the centre-back, but right offer may force the club to consider a deal.
If Newcastle are genuinely interested, a deal would not be impossible to complete.
Kristoffer Ajer ideal fit for Newcastle United?
Kristoffer Ajer stands as an excellent option for Newcastle United.
The Magpies in particular need to sort out a centre-back for the next season and the 23-year-old could be a solid signing for them.
Kristoffer Ajer has all the skillset required to be a success story at Newcastle. Therefore, it makes sense for Steve Bruce to step up his attempts to bring the Norway centre-back to Premier League side.
It will be interesting to see if Newcastle make their move for the 23-year-old in the coming days.
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Should Newcastle United make a move for Kristoffer Ajer?
Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.
