Report: Alleged Newcastle target Kristoffer Ajer could see out final year of his Celtic contract

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Reported Newcastle United target Kristoffer Ajer might see out his contract at Celtic after all.

The defender has been heavily linked with a move away from Celtic Park, with claims last month that he was going to become Newcastle’s first signing of the summer.

However, that obviously hasn’t happened. If anything, a move to St James’ Park has become more unlikely since that report.

Newcastle have fallen behind in the race to sign Ajer, with Norwich and Bayer Leverkusen seemingly ahead of them.

Neither have completed a deal yet, though, with the Athletic claiming both sides have had £10million bids rejected. They add that Ajer is ‘distinctly unhappy’.

The 23-year-old had spoke to the Norwegian press while he was away on international duty at the start of June, admitting that a departure from Celtic this summer made sense.

But will Ajer get his wish?

Kristoffer Ajer seeing out Celtic contract might help Newcastle

As it stands, Ajer has a deal with Celtic until the summer of 2022.

That’s why the Hoops need to sell him during this transfer window if they want to get decent money for him.

Once January 1st 2022 arrives, Ajer is free to negotiate with other clubs.

And according to the Athletic, the defender is considering seeing out his contract at Parkhead.

That could be music to Newcastle and Lee Charnley’s ears.

The Magpies clearly don’t want to get involved in a bidding war for Ajer, with Celtic already turning down £10million bids.

But if he is available for nothing next year, then perhaps Newcastle will move for the Norwegian once again.

As we know, Newcastle love a free agent. Last summer they signed Ryan Fraser and Jeff Hendricks on frees. This year they’ve been linked with moves for Jetro Willems and Andros Townsend.

The Athletic’s report claims that Norwich are already looking at alternatives.

If no one is willing to pay what Celtic want, perhaps Ajer will remain in Glasgow.

If that does happen, he will be available for nothing next summer, which now feels like Newcastle’s best chance of signing him.