Newcastle United 'target' subject of £8.8m bid from Premier League rivals as pundit links Toon star to Celtic

That’s according to Calciomercato, who claims Graham Potter’s men have tabled a fresh bid of around £8.8million in an attempt to fend off competition from the Magpies, plus teams in France and Italy.

Velasco, still just 18-years-old, has made 17 appearances for the Argentine club this season – registering one goal and two assists. He is said to be regarded as one of the best young players in South American.

The attacker joined Independiente’s academy in 2012 before making his competitive debut aged 16. Velasco has also represented Argentina at youth level and won the South American under-17s Championship in 2019.

The Seagulls appear to be pushing the hardest to sign Velasco but United continue to be credited with interest as Independiente value him closer towards the £10.5m mark.

Former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton believes Celtic could “soften the blow” of Kristoffer Ajer’s rumoured departure to Newcastle by signing Freddie Woodman.

Steve Bruce’s side have been strongly linked with bringing Ajer to St James’s Park this summer, though a deal could prove tricky with other clubs also vying for his signature.

Football Insider previously claimed Celtic had asked about including Woodman in a possible part-exchange deal – and Hutton believes that could be a way of agreeing a deal.

He told Football Insider: “He (Ajer) is a massive player for Celtic.

“We know he’s desperate to leave. It’s an opportunity to go and play in the Premier League.

“You would like to think there’s a deal to be done that can help both sides. Celtic will want money as well.

“If a deal for Woodman could be arranged it would soften the blow for everyone.”

Woodman, 24, will return to Tyneside for the start of next season following two successful years on loan at Championship side Swansea City.

With Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie forming an already strong goalkeeping department, the next steps Newcastle will take with Woodman are unclear.

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