By Alan Hutton

31st Mar, 2021 | 4:00pm

Ajer 'desperate' to quit Celtic as 'massive club' reportedly ready bid - pundit

Quitting Celtic to join Newcastle United would be a “good move” for Kristoffer Ajer, according to Alan Hutton.

The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Magpies are a “massive club” playing in “one of the best leagues in the world”.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Newcastle are prepared to launch an £8million bid to prise the 22-year-old from Parkhead.

The centre-back has been a mainstay for Celtic this term, with 40 appearances under his belt so far.

However, he is set to be out of contract next year, leaving this summer as the Hoops’ last chance of a big transfer payoff.

Newcastle meanwhile are floundering towards the bottom of the Premier League table, having won just two of their last 18 top-flight games.

Despite their dire form, Hutton insisted the Magpies would be a good destination for Ajer should he quit Parkhead this summer.

Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “I think Newcastle are a top team, they’re a massive club.

“Yes, they’re not doing well at the moment but I really believe that any player that’s playing in Scotland and gets the opportunity to move to England and play in one of the best leagues in the world, any of those teams are top teams.

“Personally I think it’s a good move. I think they’re a great, big team. Yes, they’re going to allow a bad spell but we always knew that Ajer would be desperate to leave, that was my opinion.”

Ajer has played a total of 170 times for Celtic so far.

Newcastle currently have the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez on their books at centre-back.

In other news, Celtic have lined up a double hire with experience “money can’t buy”.