Newcastle United gossip: Toon step up £8m transfer pursuit, Magpies-linked boss set for Celtic role

Here are the latest rumours surrounding the Magpies ahead of the summer market:

Newcastle to ‘step up’ Kristoffer Ajer pursuit

Newcastle United are preparing to step up their bid to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, as Eddie Howe gets ready to take charge.

The Daily Record reports that Ajer could be out the door before the former Bournemouth manager arrives at Parkhead with the Magpies looking to beat Norwich City to the Norwegian’s signature.

United extensively scouted the 23-year-old throughout the 2020/21 campaign and want to land him for £8million. The Hoops want double that figure but could be forced to cash in now he’s in the final year of his contract.

Steve Bruce could lose as many as three central defenders in the coming weeks with no update on Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett’s expiring deals.

Toon tipped to miss out on Joe Willock

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has tipped Newcastle to miss out on signing Joe Willock this summer.

Bruce is desperate to bring the 21-year-old back to St James’s Park next season after he scored eight goals in 14 games whilst on loan from Arsenal.

However, even if Mikel Arteta decides to cash in on the midfielder, Robinson doubts the Magpies will win the race.

He told Football Insider: “Even if Arsenal are to let him go this summer I think they (Newcastle) would struggle to sign him.

“His performance over the past few weeks have been fantastic and they have put him in the shop window. I think Premier League clubs will be queuing up to sign him.”

Steve Bruce handed £10m transfer budget – reports

Steve Bruce has been told his summer transfer budget is under £10million, according to Football Insider.

It is claimed the 60-year-old will have between £8m-£10m to work with, meaning a lot of the funds generated will depend on player sales.

Mike Ashley’s legal battle with the Premier League over the Amanda Staveley-brokered takeover is cited as a big reason for the reduced budget.

Bruce has been given assurances he will remain as head coach next season as long as Ashley is owner.