Newcastle United scouts sent on Old Firm player watch mission – report

According to a report in the Scottish Sun, the Magpies had scouts present at Ibrox on Sunday to run the rule over Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer

Ajer was Hoops skipper as his side crashed to 4-1 away loss in Glasgow, however defender Ajer’s forward bursts and assured quality with ball at feet will definitely have caught the eye.

The 23-year-old seems certain to leave Celtic Park this summer, with United as well as newly-promoted Norwich City thought to be eyeing a deal for the player in the summer transfer window.

The Norwegian international runs into the final year of his Celtic deal next season – and is reportedly keen to depart, with United said to be his preferred destination.

And reports in Scotland suggest the Magpies sent scouts to Sunday’s clash, in which former Sunderland favourite Jermain Defoe capped the victory with a late fourth.

Celtic are said to rate Ajer in the £12m bracket while recent reports claim United and Norwich may well look to start the bidding at £8m.

Towering Ajer, who stands at 6ft 6ins, joined the Hoops in 2016 from Start in his homeland, and has made more 100 appearances in green and white.

Ajer was criticised by Sky pundit Kris Boyd, formerly of Middlesbrough, for his defending for the Gers’ second goal in the Scottish Premiership top two clash.

He said: “What a fantastic strike. (But) When you look at it again when he cuts inside — Kristoffer Ajer, why is he ducking out the road?”