Celtic have a decision to make about the future of Kristoffer Ajer with Premier League newcomers Norwich City reluctant to increase their £10 million bid for the centre-back, as reported by The Pink ‘Un.
If such a bid arrived this time last year, Celtic’s response would have started with an ‘f’ and ended with an ‘f’, with five other letters between.
But the fact Ajer will be a free agent in 12 months’ time – the Norwegian has already indicated he won’t sign a new contract – means the Glasgow giants are operating with their hands tied behind their back, forced to consider cut-price bids for a man valued in excess of £20 million not so long ago.
According to reports coming out of Anglia, Norwich are willing to pay £10 million and not a penny more for Ajer.
With the likes of Cologne’s Sebastiaan Bornauw also on the radar of sporting director Stuart Webber – the Bundesliga ace handed in a transfer request in midweek – the Canaries will focus their energies elsewhere should Celtic refuse to budge.
Could Kristoffer Ajer join Newcastle rather than Norwich?
Now, given Newcastle United identified Ajer as their number one centre-back target at the start of the summer, Steve Bruce and co may be tempted to take full advantage as Norwich threaten to walk away from the table (Northern Echo).
If Daniel Farke’s side aren’t willing to pay the £12 million Celtic want for Ajer, someone will.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is hardly the most popular man on Tyneside but the Sports Direct tycoon has shown a willingness to invest when required in exciting, up-and-coming talent blessed with plenty of resale potential.
Someone like Ajer, for instance.
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