Celtic ‘confirm’ interest in Newcastle United outcast as Magpies look to hijack Spurs defender deal

Scottish giants Celtic have ‘confirmed’ their interest in Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser.

Along with the likes of long-serving midfielder Isaac Hayden and Republic of Ireland international Jeff Hendrick, the former Aberdeen and Bournemouth winger is one of several players the Magpies are hoping to move on after they were told they had no future at St James Park.

Speaking about the challenges facing the club as they look to move on the trio, United manager Eddie Howe admitted there were ‘all sorts of difficulties’ in trying to find possible suitors for all three players.

Speaking last month, he said: “I think with those players, in particular, it is very difficult for us as a football club because in an ideal world for their careers we’d want them to go and play football and have a good career at another football club.

“But there’s all sorts of difficulties associated with it, contract length, the amount of money they are earning and it is finding a football club that they want to go to as well. They are all great lads. I have no issue with any of them and I wish them well, but let’s see what happens.”

Southampton showed a tentative interest in Hayden following their relegation into the Championship but talk of Hendrick’s departure has gone quiet in recent weeks. Fraser is said to have attracted interest from the likes of Everton and Championship club Norwich City - but journalist Rudy Galetti has revealed Scottish champions Celtic are keen to take the winger north of the border before the transfer window closes next month.

Galetti told GiveMeSport: “Celtic are interested in Ryan Fraser from Newcastle. That has been confirmed. They are looking for a winger. The Scottish player, who doesn’t play a central role for the Magpies, is one of the preferred names and profiles.”

Magpies aim to hijack Spurs defender deal

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make a move to scupper Tottenham Hotspur’s chance of landing Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

The Burkino Faso international has become a key figure with the Bundesliga club since making a £16million move to Leverkusen in January 2020. Tapsoba has featured in the Europa League in each of his first three seasons with the club and was also a regular in the side that competed in the Champions League last season.

His form has led to interest from several clubs across Europe and there have been suggestions Spurs were keen to pursue a £50million deal to lure him to the Premier League. However, Newcastle’s desire to add another centre-back to their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign has led them to consider a move for Tapsoba according to Football Insider.