Newcastle United are pushing to secure the signing of Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer.

Celtic are reportedly welcoming new manager Eddie Howe to the club at the end of this week or start of next week.

The ex-Bournemouth manager will deal with several squad issues, including the futures of players who may want to leave.

However, theDaily Recordclaims Ajer to Newcastle may be done before Howe even gets a chance to speak with the player.

Newcastle have been scouting Ajer for some time, and are hoping to secure him for around £8million.

Celtic would like a fee closer to £16 million, and 23-year-old Ajer is torn between staying at Celtic Park or moving to the Premier League.