Newcastle United send scouts to watch £20m Celtic star who can replace Miguel Almiron
Newcastle United reportedly watched Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn during their 2-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich last week.
Signed by the Hoops 13 months ago for £3million, the 25-year-old’s stock has risen dramatically since moving to Parkhead. Kuhn is a product of RB Leipzig’s and Ajax’s academy before being sold to Bayern in 2020.
A lack of first-team football saw the winger join Rapid Wien, where he forged a promising career in the professional ranks. Celtic took a punt on Kuhn - a German youth international - and he is now worth £20million.
The Daily Mail claim Toon chiefs sent scouts to watch him as Celtic were narrowly beaten by the Bundesliga giants. Kuhn’s 29 goal contributions in 36 appearances across all competitions have piqued Newcastle’s interest.
It is no secret that the Magpies are chasing a right-winger after selling Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United last month. His price - despite rising drastically in the past 12 months - suits Newcastle as they aim to comply with PSR regulations.
Kuhn’s agent, former Rangers midfielder Christian Nerlinger, committed his client’s future to Celtic at the back end of last year. However, letting slip the Bhoys’ transfer strategy left a window of opportunity slightly open for Newcastle to strike a deal.
“The speculation is not an issue for us,” Nerlinger told the Daily Record. “We have found a home for Nicolas at Celtic. We are not, never, walking out on Celtic without being together with the club because this success story was created by Celtic.
“I know from my time at Rangers it was very hard to get something out of the television rights. So of course, they need to find these success stories, identify a player, buy him for £3million and sell him for £20million. But we will do everything together with the club.”