Celtic are now demanding £20 million for Newcastle United target Kristoffer Ajer as a potential move to Premier League newcomers Norwich City collapses, as reported by the Athletic.
If the Canaries were uncertain about whether or not to pay a club-record £12 million for a centre-half who will be out of contract in a year, they were never going to play ball as Celtic move the goalposts with just a few weeks of the transfer window remaining.
At the time, Celtic were asking for £12 million – a fee that Norwich agreed to pay after weeks of deliberations, making an offer in the last 72 hours that appeared to finally match the Hoops’ demands.
According to the Athletic, however, Celtic have suddenly changed their stance, demanding almost double for their 6ft 6ins Norwegian.
Will Newcastle now move in for Kristoffer Ajer?
Talks with Norwich have subsequently collapsed – understandably so, too.
You can see why Daniel Farke, Stuart Webber and co would have been left feeling rather annoyed, having been led to believe that Ajer was available for £12 million and not a penny more.
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle had also identified Ajer as their number one target as the Magpies look to add a ball-playing centre-half to their ranks.
It is uncertain how Newcastle feel about paying an eye-watering £20 million for the one-time Kilmarnock loanee, however.
Norwich’s decision to walk away from the table gives Newcastle something of a clear run at Ajer. But surely there is better value to be found elsewhere at this stage of the window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
