According to The Sunday Mirror (30/05, p76), Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer will become Newcastle United’s first summer signing.
It’s claimed that whilst Newcastle want Joe Willock permanently, Ajer is expected to be the first one in through the door at St James’ Park this summer.
One bizarre note is that the deal is expected to cost £6million, which doesn’t sound right at all.
The Daily Record noted last week that Newcastle think they can sign Ajer for £8million, but Celtic want twice that amount, setting his asking price at £16million.
Maybe there’s a number one missing from this new fee, maybe it would be £6million up front with add-ons taking the deal over £10million.
One thing seems likely; Celtic won’t be selling Ajer for just £6million even if a move to Newcastle does seem likely this summer.
Ajer, 23, is out of contract next summer and Celtic may now be pressured into selling before he leaves for nothing.
The Norwegian defender could be quite the coup for Newcastle, but expect any deal to be worth more than £6million.
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