Newcastle have targeted Celtic centre back Kelvin Wilson as the man to replace their outgoing skipper Fabricio Coloccini according to the Mirror. Coloccini wanted to leave in January to return to his native Argentina for family reasons but was persuaded to stay by the club, at least until the summer.
The popular Argentine is now ready to leave Tyneside though and the club want to get his replacement in place sooner rather than later.
Wilson has starred for Celtic in recent seasons, particularly in the Champions League. At 27, he will be looking for the next big step in his career and Newcastle will appeal to the player, who’s never played in the Premier League.
Celtic marched to the Scottish Premier League title with ease this season due to the absence of their city rivals, Rangers. They progressed to the last 16 stage of the Champions League but were beaten comfortably by Juventus.
Wilson may feel there is not much else to achieve in Scotland and competing in the Premiership for the next few years offer him the challenge he needs as he enters the prime of his career.
Celtic signed Wilson on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest and will hope to raise up to £5m for him.