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Mike Ashley should dig a little deeper into his pockets to fund a successful move for Newcastle United to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Toon are readying an £8m offer for Ajer as they look to play on Celtic’s weakened bargaining position.

Ajer will enter the final 12 months of his £14,000-a-week contract this summer and will be able to begin negotiating free transfers with foreign and cross-border clubs from January.

Ajer, who Noel Whelan describes as a “big personality”, has set his sights on a move to the Premier League if he is to leave Parkhead, but also has interest from clubs in Serie A, per Daily Mail.

AC Milan were heavily linked with the Norway international last summer after technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed the San Siro natives’ interest, but Ajer was denied a move as Celtic considered him to be a key player.

The Hoops value Ajer highly yet are aware that his current deal leaves the Scottish giants at risk of losing the 22-year-old for a fraction of their asking price, which is thought to be close to £35m.

Newcastle have held a long-standing interest in the 6 ft 6 enforcer, although the St James’ Park natives are aware of the need to secure their Premier League status in order to present an attractive destination in the off-season.

Steve Bruce’s position at the helm is not thought to affect United’s interest in Ajer, who the Toon believe will have a wealth of suitors in the next transfer window.

Should Newcastle sign Celtic’s Ajer?

This summer looks set to be the end of Ajer’s time at Celtic as the defender has relentlessly been urged to quit Parkhead and join a more competitive division by the Norway setup.

Head coach Stale Solbakken told Norwegian newspaper VG earlier this month: “He has to change league now. He does not have enough challenges in everyday life there.

“Therefore, I think he has got some habits, which you do not notice until he meets better opposition in international matches or Europe. So, I think that is a smart move by him.”

Former Fulham defender Brede Hangeland, now an assist coach for the Norwegian national side, has allegedly told Ajer several times that he needs to change clubs to find a bigger challenge, too.

However, it would be expected that Celtic would reject Newcastle’s approach for Ajer if the Toon only present an £8m bid to offer the defender a taste of Premier League football this summer, should they stay up.

Celtic held firm against interest from AC Milan last year when they were only said to value Ajer at £25m, while rumours also surfaced of interest from Arsenal and Leicester City – who would be expected to present the promise of another year of European football.

Newcastle will not have the allure of Champions League or Europa League action to impress the centre-back, so Ashley may have to dig a little deeper into his pockets and present not only the funds Celtic are demanding but also a contract which carries a significant pay rise.

Doing so would see the United owner, who is not thought to be planning on bankrolling deals, land the Magpies a promising young centre-back who already has an amazing skill set, as noted by interim Celtic boss John Kennedy, who said last month [via quotes shared by The Scotsman]:

“I’ve no doubt that there will be interest in him. He’s still very young and he’s an international player. With his profile of speed, size, technique and ability – there’s going to be interest in him.

“He’s a great character and a leader, in terms of how he works and conducts himself. We know he’s a good footballer, but we’ve always tried to work on his aggression the box. That didn’t come naturally to him as a kid, but he’s got it in his game now.”

AND in other news, Newcastle are closely monitoring a £13.5k-p/w dud who’s “been caught out” this season…

Celtic failed to convince former QPR winger Bright Oyasi-Samuel to move to Parkhead in January, according to reports in Turkey.

Bhoys miss out

The 23-year-old had just six months left to run on his Loftus Road deal before eventually opting to join Mesut Ozil at Fenerbahce.

Reports emerged back in December that suggested former manager Neil Lennon had put arrangements in place to bring Oyasi-Samuel to Celtic next summer before he eventually resigned from his position at the club.

The Nigerian forward was touted as a player that was “destined for the Premier League” by his former boss Mark Warburton (cited by West London Sport), but opted not to choose that path.

Fotospor revealed that both Celtic and Rangers were willing to pay £5m to secure his services but failed to reel him in – he scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists in 115 outings before his QPR departure (Transfermarkt).

Transfer Tavern Verdict

While it will be disappointing for the supporters that they missed out on a player with huge potential, he can’t really be blamed for following Ozil to Turkey.

Having signed a five-year contract with the Super Lig club, Osayi-Samuel will inevitably be off the Parkhead radar and Dominic McKay will have to work hard to make the necessary first-team improvements this summer.

With new staff reportedly being put in place in the summer, time will which other attacking players the Hoops have on their wish list.

In other news, Celtic-linked manager responds to Parkhead rumours; Mourinho once dubbed him ‘incredible.’

Glasgow Rangers fans are gutted after Steven Gerrard revealed Nathan Patterson is a doubt for this weekend’s Old Firm Derby.

The Gers will travel to Parkhead on Sunday to face their fierce rivals Celtic. While they have already won the Premiership title, the Ibrox outfit are still on course to go the season unbeaten (BBC), so they will still be eager to get a positive result especially after their Europa League defeat on Thursday.

However, Gerrard has provided an injury blow ahead of the clash. He has revealed Patterson is a doubt for the match, and they therefore may be without him. The 19-year-old started the game against Slavia Prague in midweek, but he was taken off after 78 minutes to be replaced by Jack Simpson.

With James Tavernier already out injured, no Patterson would leave Gerrard dangerously short at right-back. The news was shared on the Gers official Twitter account, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their displeasure.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Patterson news below

“Pain”

Credit: @revanite72

“I AM NOT WATCHING THE OLD FIRM”

Credit: @JamieRFC14

“Pain.”

Credit: @Cammy_Blackk

“pain”

Credit: @_kylemorrison

“Just what we need.”

Credit: @Ellysse6

“Please be back in time”

Credit: @woofly32

In other news, Rangers fans slammed this man against Slavia.

Southampton progressed through to the fifth round of the FA Cup after beating holders Arsenal 1-0 at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

The only goal of the game came courtesy of Gabriel’s first-half own-goal, although Kyle Walker-Peters did his best to claim it as his own.

It was not just his assist that marked him out as the best player on the pitch against Mikel Arteta’s side, however, as he produced another superb all-round display.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old would earn a 7.9 match rating for his display, which was the highest of any player on the pitch. James Ward-Prowse, who earned the man-of-the-match award on the BT Sport coverage of the game, would only earn a 7.5 by comparison.

During the 90 minutes, £23,000-a-week gem Walker-Peters would make four tackles, which was the most of any player from both sides on the pitch. This is also more than the 2.8 tackles per game he averages in the Premier League this season, emphasising that he was even better than his usual reliable self in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The former Spurs man would also make two interceptions, which is more than his average of 1.5 in the Premier League, whilst his direct opponent Gabriel Martinelli would earn a disappointing 6.3 match rating, which suggests that Walker-Peters had the better of him throughout the game at St Mary’s.

Southampton’s style of play means that Walker-Peters can push high up the pitch, with his energy and defensive ability meaning he can get back quickly to defend if required, and Saturday’s game against Arsenal was another example of how Ralph Hasenhuttl is starting to benefit from utilising the right-back as a key attacking threat.

The defender has registered one assist in the Premier League this season but added to his season tally against Arsenal today, whilst his attacking threat was perhaps best emphasised when his mazy run led to Southampton’s penalty in the win against Brighton earlier this season.

Hopefully, for Saints fans, the right-back will continue to produce performances such as the one against Arsenal throughout the season as he continues to impress following his permanent signing in the summer.

And, in other news… Forget Ings: £13.5m-rated Saints beast can get back to his best following injury boost

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips believes that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover could take place as early as next week.

Takeover imminent?

The French billionaire-heir was in the stands as Sunderland slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Shrewsbury Town, since the 22-year-old announced on Christmas Eve that a deal to become the new owner had been agreed.

The uncertainly off the pitch seems to be having an impact on the team’s actions on it with 11 draws to their name this season.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Louis-Dreyfus visited the Academy of Light training ground as EFL confirmation of his inheritance from Stewart Donald awaits.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips believes that it could be a big week for the future of Sunderland Football Club.

“It’s been frustrating. Is he taking over, isn’t he taking over? Has he given the green light for those loans and transfers in the window?

“There’s a lot of uncertainty. So if they can get it done and dusted in the next week that’s promising.

“It’s promising that he’s been to the Academy of Light, that tells me that he’s there for one reason and one reason only, to get it sorted. They can put that to bed and concentrate on getting it right on the pitch and at the minute it’s typical Sunderland.

“It’s up and down, it’s as inconsistent as it has been for a long time. They need that consistency off the pitch and then transfer that onto the pitch.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

If this is true, then it could be a huge seven days for Sunderland.

The long wait for the supporters could be over, which means that everyone can concentrate on affairs away from the board and on the football pitch where it matters

Time will tell whether Phillips’ prediction is right – or if the fans will be forced to wait just that little bit longer.

In other news, Claim made by reliable Sunderland reporter excited segments of the Stadium of Light faithful.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United player Steve Howey has urged James Tavernier to stay at Glasgow Rangers in the January transfer window.

Reports in recent times have heavily tipped Tavernier for the Ibrox exit after his staggering 17-goal haul this season.

More recently, Football Insider have reported that the 54-time Scottish champions are well aware of growing interest in the right-back, who joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee in 2015.

But Howey believes the in-demand Rangers ace should stay at Ibrox as he is an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s side.

Speaking to Football FanCast’s James Beavis, he asked: “Does he want to leave? Rangers are undergoing a resurgence right now.

“And I think if fans were there and they were doing what they’re doing now – can you imagine the atmosphere at Ibrox? It would be absolutely bouncing.

“There’s not many grounds better than Parkhead or Ibrox. For me, he’s at a huge club, and they’ve got a great future ahead of them.

“That’s as long as the manager stays and he stays. But how long is he [Gerrard] going to stay there? Because without a doubt, there’ll be other people looking at him as well.”

Tavernier, who is the club’s top scorer this season, has provided 17 goals and 14 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

In total, he has played 148 Scottish Premiership games, and added another goal and assist to his tally in the 2-1 win at Dundee United in December.

Gerrard recently described the 29-year-old as a “powerhouse” after the Rangers captain received the Player of the Month award last year.

His potential departure would be a devastating blow for the Light Blues, let alone the Ibrox boss, as it’s safe to say that his understudy Nathan Patterson isn’t ready for the big stage quite just yet.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must sign KV Oostende striker Fashion Sakala…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Hull City midfielder Dean Windass has made a claim regarding striker Harry Kane, and Manchester City’s reported interest in him.

A recent report from Bild has suggested that the Citizens could target the England captain next summer as they look to sign a replacement for Sergio Aguero, with the Argentinian widely expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season.

The 27-year-old has been in sensational form for Tottenham Hotspur so far this season, contributing 10 goals and 11 assists in his 16 appearances (ahead of Wednesday’s game with Fulham) in the top-flight, resulting in a superb average rating of 7.90.

However, despite his impressive goalscoring return for Spurs in recent years, Kane is still yet to win a trophy with the North London club, something he admitted he would have to do if he was to stay with Spurs for the long-term.

Therefore, if City can beat Spurs in the Carabao Cup final later this year, then perhaps it will open the door to Kane joining the Citizens in the summer.

Here’s what Windass had to say about the Spurs striker when speaking exclusively to Football FanCast…

“They’re in the final of the Carabao Cup, it’s not enough for Harry Kane. He’s got to win FA Cup finals, he’s got to win the Champions League. That will be his goal, it’s not financial for him anymore. It’s not as though he’s chasing the money.

“These players nowadays can play two or three years in the Premier League and don’t have to work again. It’s not financial, he just wants to win trophies. So to be fair, [how sure am I that he’ll move to the Etihad?] 95% he will end up at Man City.”

Windass clearly feels that Kane will want to move to a club where he’s likely to win trophies and considering Pep Guardiola has delivered two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three Carabao Cup trophies during his time with the Citizens, a move to the Etihad certainly seems a safe bet if the England striker wants to win trophies.

It will be interesting to see whether City do make an official approach for the Tottenham man during the summer and whether Daniel Levy and Mourinho would be willing to let the £108 million rated man leave the North London club.

And, in other news… Guardiola must swoop for “unbelievable” £90m-rated beast; he can break Aguero’s Man City record

Although they slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night, Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier produced another superb display, which further evidences the fact that he was the Yorkshire club’s signing of the summer.

The French shot-stopper originally joined on loan when Leeds were in the Championship last season, where he made 10 appearances in the second division, keeping a superb seven clean sheets and conceding just four goals, per Transfermarkt.

Those at the club saw enough in him to make his stay a permanent one during the summer, paying FC Lorient just £5m for his services.

The 20-year-old has continued his impressive form in the Premier League, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side keep four clean sheets in their opening 11 top-flight fixtures.

Although it was a disappointing result for Leeds against Frank Lampard’s side on Saturday, the £7.2 million-rated man once again showed his quality, making a superb double save to deny Timo Werner in the second half.

As per SofaScore, Meslier made an impressive seven saves at Stamford Bridge, including six from inside the box, suggesting that Chelsea could have scored more if it wasn’t for the Frenchman.

He has also shown himself to be an adept passer of the ball, with 26/28 of his passes finding their mark against Chelsea, whilst all five of his long balls were accurate.

In a recent interview with Football Insider, Kevin Campbell was full of praise for the goalkeeper, saying:

“I have been really impressed with this young player. He has got a baby face! He is 20 but he looks about 18, he looks like a kid.

“He is strong, a good shot-stopper and his handling is so good. That is what surprised me. A lot of stuff comes at him and he holds onto it or gives it a good push away.

“Nothing is dropping around him. I am really, really impressed.

“Leeds’ recruitment staff have done an exceptional job getting him in. He is one for the future and for now. Only 20? Wow. Brilliant signing.”

While Alex McLeish has even hailed the Frenchman as a “star of the future.”

Therefore, although Leeds’ big signings during the summer may have been Rodrigo, Raphinha or Diego Llorente, it seems that Victor Orta delivered another masterclass in signing Meslier for so cheap, as at 20-years-old, he looks to have a great future in this Leeds United side.

And, in other news… Bielsa will be seething with 28 y/o Leeds flop’s disastrous display

Liverpool squandered their chances of going top of the Premier League table after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham this evening.

The reigning champions looked hugely off their game at Craven Cottage and as a result, they conceded after just 25 minutes of play.

Bobby Reid punished Jurgen Klopp’s sloppy defence with a curling effort that left Alisson stunned.

Even after some tactical changes, Liverpool only got themselves back into the game through a late penalty. Mohamed Salah slotted away the spot-kick in the 79th minute but didn’t look like they would penetrate Fulham’s defence any more than this.

One player who was particularly disappointing tonight was Sadio Mane. The fiery winger who usually causes huge problems for the opposition was kept quiet far too easily by the Cottagers’ defence.

Mane let Klopp down vs Fulham

In what looked to be an easy win for Liverpool on paper turned out to be a very difficult fixture. The Reds couldn’t capitalise on Fulham’s poor form and still trail to Spurs who are top of the table.

Klopp’s entire front three were almost anonymous, aside from Salah’s penalty deep into the second half.

Mane was especially quiet, despite playing the full 90 minutes at the Cottage.

According to Sofascore, the clinical winger failed to register a single shot on target and he lost possession 14 times. He also missed a huge chance to find the back of the net and he made even fewer passes (17) than goalkeeper Alisson (24).

The £100,000 per week attacker was hugely off his game and will be furious with himself for putting in such a disappointing shift, so much so that he badly let his manager down.

He can only reflect on his errors and look to rectify them on Wednesday when the clash of the title contenders goes down.

Liverpool will play host to Spurs in what promises to be a very entertaining match, but it will be a must-win for Klopp and his men, who are desperate to retain their first-ever Premier League title.

In other news, Liverpool handed transfer blow with RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai…

West Brom are still winless in the Premier League this season but a more pressing saga has developed off the pitch.

The Baggies’ hierarchy sanctioned the sale of Ahmed Hegazi to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad over the weekend, in the process saving on his mega £70k-per-week wages.

The Express & Star claim the deal is worth around £10m in total to Albion.

However, it’s a decision that has angered Slaven Bilic as he wanted the Egyptian international to stay at the Hawthorns, especially outside of the English transfer window.

He said: “It definitely wasn’t my decision. It wasn’t a football decision to be fair. I am very disappointed. We are a team that needs all our good players. He is the player that has know-how in the Premier League, that has vast experience, a national team player, a great professional and played last week against Burnley.”

Indeed, West Brom picked up their first clean sheet of the season versus the Clarets, where Branislav Ivanovic and Hegazi played together for the first time.

Yet just days later, he’s sold and the Baggies go onto draw 1-1 with Brighton.

Nothing can be done until January – if chairman Lai Guochuan is even prepared to back his manager. According to reports, the Chinese businessman has been unwilling to invest in the playing squad, even despite the desperation to get Grant through the door.

Eventually, he got his man, but you can’t help but feel the sale of Hegazi was some sort of financial consequence with Grant costing in excess of £15m.

It’s time for Dara O’Shea to step up to the plate and playing alongside Premier League-winning veteran Ivanovic could be perfect for the club and his own career.

Bilic is a huge fan of his, previously claiming he is “the future” at the Midlands club, so it’s time to hand him a regular starting berth going forward.

Whilst O’Shea’s former boss Matt Taylor at Exeter City, lauded him as an “exceptional” talent who’s got a “chance of making it all the way in the game.”

The 21-year-old has started four Premier League games, where he has averaged a whopping 3.5 clearances and 3.3 tackles each match, via WhoScored.

No other Baggies defender has managed more tackles per appearance than O’Shea, and after picking up his first senior cap for Ireland, he ought to be playing week-in, week-out.

AND in other news, £18m signing’s current West Brom form must be a major worry for Bilic…