A journalist has dropped a promising transfer claim involving Newcastle United and their pursuit of Kristoffer Ajer.

Replying to a fan in a Q&A session with the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich City reporter Paddy Davitt was asked about their interest but claimed that the St. James' Park faithful have been 'touted' for the potential signing of the Celtic central defender, and also added that 'if it comes down to shoot outs' with rivals from the Premier League, then the Canaries 'won't compete on financial terms'.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with Ajer in recent times, via Football Insider.

Newcastle must sign Ajer

Given that NCFC will be in the top flight with them in the 2021/22 term, assuming that the North East club do not get relegated this season of course, the Magpies will not be abel to blow Norwich away with the added incentive of Premier League football that they can offer to Ajer.

However, given the history and stature of the Tyneside club, as well as being financially better off as Davitt has claimed, the Toon should hold all of the cards for his signature if they want to follow through on their interest.

Standing at a mammoth six-feet-six-inches tall, Ajer could be a menace in both boxes for Steve Bruce's team - winning over three aerial duels per game this term -  and at just 23 years of age, he will only get better.

Former Toon star Lee Clark, who managed the Norway international during a loan spell at Kilmarnock, described him as an ‘outstanding’ player back in March, which is very high praise.

Nonetheless, NUFC may not get a better chance to sign Ajer than this summer as his contract is ticking down (expires May 2022) and the Hoops could be forced to cash in, and it is one that they should take with open arms.

In other news, find out who has been named as a potential Bruce successor here!