Newcastle United transfer news: Magpies linked with £29m-rated duo as giant defender eyes Premier League move

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are lining up an £8million move for Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer.

The Norwegian has just over one-year remaining on his contract at Parkhead and has been urged by national team manager Stale Solbakken to secure a bigger move.

Solbakken, who managed Wolves between 2012 and 2013, was quoted saying: “He has to change league now. He must. He does not have enough challenges in everyday life there.”

As a result, the 22-year-old has reportedly set his sights on a move to the Premier League and Newcastle are happy to oblige.

United are long admirers of Ajer and do expect competition to land the player with clubs in Italy also keen.

Celtic believe the giant defender is worth around £35million but will struggle to gain that fee given his contract expires next summer.

It is claimed Steve Bruce’s future on Tyneside won't prevent the Magpies from making their move. However, relegation to the Championship would all-but kill hopes of a deal.

Fans want Bruce sacked from his head position after a run of two wins in 20 games has left the club just two points outside the bottom three with nine games to go.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have again been credited with interest in Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic.

In a report by German publication Sport Bild, RB Leipzig have placed the Austrian on their summer wishlist, though will need to sell players to generate the funds.

Stuttgart are likely to demand in the region of £21million for the 23-year-old, with Newcastle and Juventus among those keeping a watchful eye on his progress.

Here are the latest transfer headlines surrounding Newcastle United and their Premier League rivals: