Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur lead clubs eyeing Celtic transfer swoops this summer

Kristoffer Ajer, Ismaila Soro and Vasilis Barkas could lead a Celtic transfer exodus this summer – just as Eddie Howe gets his foot in the door.

The trio have all emerged as transfer targets for a series of clubs, meaning a Celtic exit could be on the horizon just as a move for the new manager edges closer.

Fringe midfielder Ismaila Soro has been linked with a move to north London to join Tottenham Hotspur having been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular at Parkhead.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite being managerless following the departure of Jose Mourinho, Spurs are believed to be keen on the 22-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder who signed for Neil Lennon in a £2.2m move last January.

Celtic's Kris Ajer in action during a Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Celtic's Kris Ajer in action during a Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Celtic's Kris Ajer in action during a Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

He could be joined in next year’s Premier League by team-mate Kris Ajer. Newcastle have recently been linked with the Norwegian international, but reports this morning suggest newly-promoted Norwich City are watching the defender closely as they bolster their squad for the new campaign in English football’s top flight.

Both follow stories linking Greek goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas with a return to his homeland with AEK Athens prepared to put an end to the £4.5m signing’s unhappy stay in Glasgow.

The much-heralded summer signing failed to establish himself as number one and has recently lost his place in the team again to Scott Bain.

Despite all the exit talk Celtic are believed to be moving closer to new arrivals – in the manager's office.

The Daily Mail reports Eddie Howe is close to agreeing to become the new head coach after a lengthy pursuit, and he could add former striker Mark Burchill to his Parkhead coaching team.

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today