Newcastle United have been dealt a potential blow in their pursuit to sign Kristoffer Ajer as RB Leipzig have now registered an interest in the Celtic defender.
The Lowdown: Newcastle eyeing Ajer
There have been various reports over the past few months of the Magpies’ interest in signing the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window.
They were first credited with an interest in a move back in March, when they were thought to be preparing an £8m offer. Some reports at the end of May claimed that a deal worth as little as £6m was close, but Ajer still remains a Hoops player.
The Latest: Leipzig interest
As per FourFourTwo (via Glasgow Live), Ajer is now reportedly attracting interest from RB Leipzig, who are admirers of the Norway international.
However, they will only make a move if they fail to sign Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg, who seems to be their first-choice target at the heart of the defence.
The Verdict: Potential blow
It is certainly a potential blow to Newcastle’s chances of trying to lure Ajer to Tyneside, given that RB Leipzig can offer him Champions League football and a chance to play for one of the top teams in the Bundesliga.
Described as an ‘outstanding’ player back in March by former Magpies ace Lee Clark, who managed him during a loan spell at Kilmarnock, Ajer would certainly be a good signing for the Toon, as he can offer them a threat in both penalty areas with his mammoth 1.98m (6 ft 6) frame. Last season he won 3.2 aerial duels per game – more than any Newcastle player.
At just 23 years of age, the Norwegian has a lot of potential as well, and reports that RB Leipzig have now registered an interest show just how highly-rated he is. It would indeed be a huge disappointment if Newcastle were to miss out on him.
In other news, find out what promising update has been dropped on the potential takeover!