Celtic are facing a fight to keep Cameron Carter-Vickers permanently because Newcastle United have entered the race for the signature of the American defender.
Champions are waiting has the option to buy Carter-Vickers from Tottenham for a fee of just under £10m with add-ons making him the most expensive player in the club’s history.
However, a report from the United States says that cash-rich Magpies are abound in the 24-year-old market.
Eddie Howe’s assistant at St James’s Park Jason Tindall enjoyed a good relationship with Carter-Vickers when he was boss at Bournemouth when the powerful centre-back was loaned there last season.
The allure of the English Premier League can be overwhelming – especially when the Warblers have plenty of money to spend after the Saudi takeover.
Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that he wants his top defender to stay with Celtic and be a key part of Champions League campaign.
But Newcastle were not the only suitors. The Cherries are returning to England for a flight and they are keen to have him back while Southampton are also interested.
American football firm SBI says a source close to the player has revealed that Newcastle United are interested if the buyout clause is not activated by Celtic.
British-born Carter-Vickers has been restricted by the US eight times, but not often in recent times.
With the World Cup coming up in Qatar this winter, he may see a move to the world’s best tournament as key to his international chances.
Celtic also have the option to buy Jota from Benfica for a fee of around £6.5 million but it is known that the Lisbon club have asked for a 30% sale clause in the deal.
