Two of Newcastle United’s defensive transfer targets are set to make moves to other clubs.
According to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, Kris Ajer is primed to join Brentford for a fee of around £13 million.
An announcement on that transfer is imminent, with Celtic to sign Carl Starfelt as his replacement.
Ajer was a player who had been regularly linked with Newcastle this year.
Not only is Ajer signing for another team, Ozan Kabak is also moving elsewhere.
The Turkey international spent last term on loan at Liverpool.
The Reds opted not to sign him permanently, which led to speculation the Magpies could make a move.
After all, Newcastle were reportedly set to sign Kabak in January before Liverpool stole in.
But Leicester City have reached an agreement for his transfer.
The Leicester Mercury say Schalke have accepted an £8 million bid, which is a great deal for them if accurate.
A double whammy for Newcastle
Newcastle really need to bolster their defensive options, and either Kabak or Ajer would have been great additions.
£13 million and £8 million are good prices for players who both have international pedigree and are still a few years from their peaks.
It is hugely frustrating to see Toon targets move elsewhere for such reasonable fees.
And last night’s news that essentially rules out a takeover any time soon certainly compounds the frustration.
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