Newcastle United are set to make an £8million offer for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, according to the Daily Mail.
The report states that the Hoops value Ajer as high as £35million but accept they are in a relatively weak position because Ajer has only a year left on his contract.
That would mean, from next January, Ajer would be able to talk to other clubs about the possibility of leaving on a free.
Newcastle have apparently ‘long admired’ the Norwegian but will only be able to lure Ajer if they stay in the Premier League.
They are currently two points above the drop zone ahead of the run-in.
Ajer is said to be intent on a move to the English top-flight, though there are also suitors in Italy.
He joined Celtic back in 2016 from native side Start for a fee of just £540,000.
The 22-year-old has made 170 appearances for the Hoops up to this point, helping them to three Scottish titles and five domestic cup triumphs.
Here’s what these Celtic fans made of the rumour, which was shared by @aboutceltic on Twitter.
These Celtic fans scoff at Newcastle’s incoming Ajer offer
“I can’t see us settling for this. Several top sides including AC are after him.”
“Gonna have to do way better than that”
“Is the other £92M in instalments?”
“Ridiculous fee aside I’d be gutted to see the big man leave but more so if he went to a shambles of a club like Newcastle!”
“Laughable. Launch away.”
“Would rather keep him for a vital season than shift him for 8. That offer would be an insult.”
“Another 10 million for his right foot.”
“That’s disrespectful”
“Sick of the English dissing our game yet putting cheap offers in to take players, take heed rangers and all other clubs it cant be allowed. If he was at Bournemouth they would ask 25million and get it.”