A reported £6m Newcastle United move for a leading Celtic star could free up a Rangers deal for a Dutch U21 star currently plying his trade in Holland.
Newcastle United have reportedly launched a £6m bid for Celtic defender Kris Ajer – no laughing at the back – as the Parkhead exodus continues this summer [Sunday Mirror print edition, 30/05, p76].
The big Norwegian defender has long been lauded as a major asset of our Old Firm rivals’ but this fee is a considerable climb down from the £25m price tag previously attached to the player.
But whilst Gers fans might be interested in this to chuckle at the knockdown price of one of Celtic’s main stars, the move could also open the door for Rangers’ interest in Danilho Doekhi.
Vitesse Arnhem defender Doekhi was extensively linked to Ibrox in May as the Gers continue to strengthen ahead of the new season [De Gelderlander, Football Insider].
But Rangers are reportedly not the only club interested in the player’s services with Premier League newboys Norwich City and Newcastle United also interested [Telegraph].
Should the Magpies move for centre-back Ajer, then they’ll certainly be well-stocked in the position with captain Jamal Lascelles, Swiss international Fabian Schar and Irish defender Ciaran Clark amongst the defensive options at St. James’ Park.
This isn’t a concrete suggestion that Doekhi still won’t be on Steve Bruce’s radar but should Ajer join the ranks at Newcastle then there will certainly be increased competition at centre-back in the northeast.
Speaking of Danilho Doekhi, here’s what the defender had to say when asked about the continuing transfer links out of Vitesse.