£6million deal for Celtic ace Kristoffer Ajer would be perfect start to Newcastle transfer window – opinion

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It’s going to be a tough transfer window for Newcastle, but reports suggest Kristoffer Ajer from Celtic is set to be the first arrival.

According to the Sunday Mirror (30th May, p76), the Magpies are expected to complete a deal for the defender this month.

Interestingly, they claim that he will only cost £6million. That would be something of a bargain in this day and age.

Ajer’s contract is set to expire next summer, but £6million feels very cheap for a player so highly rated.

This is the lowest figure that has been reported during our pursuit of the 23-year-old.

It was first claimed that Newcastle were willing to pay £8million. However, the same report from the Daily Mail claims Celtic value Ajer at £25million.

A day earlier, The Herald stated that Celtic value him at £12million.

Regardless, the ball is in Newcastle’s court. The player is reportedly keen on a move to St James’ Park, while his expiring contract may force Celtic to sell just to recoup some cash.

Bargain Ajer transfer could be perfect start for Newcastle

If Newcastle really can pull off a £6million deal for Ajer, it would be the perfect start to what is set to be a tricky summer.

There have been reports that the Magpies will only have £12million to spend before selling players.

While spending half of your budget on one man not called Joe Willock might be seen as a negative, getting Ajer so cheap would be something to celebrate.

Although centre-midfield is our biggest concern, we certainly need a central defender.

We have a plethora of options at the back, but we have suffered with injury in that position all season.

Ajer could add youth to an ageing backline. He’s impressed north of the border, leading to links with multiple Premier League clubs.

But if Newcastle can win the race, it would be impressive considering our transfer record in recent years.

We’re often late to the party, leaving deals until late in the day.

That’s why a bargain move for Ajer so early in the window would be excellent news.

Newcastle fans might want Willock back, but that probably won’t happen until late in the window – if at all.

For now, getting a promising defender for a cut price fee is the best we can hope for.