Newcastle United transfer bid in 'jeopardy' as pundit urges Magpies to replicate £12m Leeds deal

That’s according to The Athletic, who claims Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen have both seen offers rejected for the 23-year-old, which has left him “distinctly unhappy”.

Ajer wants to leave Parkhead before his contract expires next year, however is now said to be considering seeing it out, unless a bid is accepted from a club he feels suits him.

Interestingly, Newcastle are not mentioned in the report – suggesting Steve Bruce’s side have lost ground in the race for his signature.

As per previous speculation, United were only ever linked with paying £8m for the 6ft6 centre-back.

The Premier League remains Ajer’s preferred destination, despite Leverkusen offering him the chance to play Europa League football.

How Newcastle could sign Joe Willock permanently – Paul Robinson’s example

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Newcastle should take inspiration from Leeds in their attempts to sign Joe Willock from Arsenal.

Bruce has made no secret of his desire to bring the midfielder back to St James’s Park on a permanent basis, and Robinson has suggested a scenario where it could happen.

Indeed, Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites signed Jack Harrison on three separate loan occasions before activating a purchase option after their first season back in the top-flight.

And former Tottenham man Robinson believes United can negotiate a similar deal.

He told Football Insider: “I’m not sure if they have the money to sign him on a permanent basis right now.

“He was absolutely brilliant for them last season. He went up there, played week in, week out and looked like a different player.

“A big part of the success Newcastle enjoyed towards the end of the season was down to him so it would be huge if Newcastle can sign him.

“If they could negotiate another loan deal with an option to buy at the end of next season, a little bit like how Leeds structured Jack Harrison’s deal. That would be perfect.

“It would be great if they can get it done because he looked like he was enjoying his football at Newcastle.”

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