Newcastle United have been linked with Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn.
Celtic are reportedly prepared to accept just £15million for prized asset Nicolas Kuhn this summer.
Signed 18 months ago for £3million, the winger ripped up for Celtic last season with 36 goal contributions across all competitions. Kuhn famously netted in a 1-1 Champions League draw away to Bayern Munich - a club he spent two seasons at.
Toon chiefs are understood to have sent scouts to watch Kuhn against his former club earlier this year. While his form dipped slightly towards the back end of the campaign, the 25-year-old is still one of Celtic’s most valuable stars.
Cheaper Bryan Mbeumo alternative
It is also no secret that right-wing remains an area Newcastle would like to strengthen, with Jacob Murphy the only first-team option. Various sources have suggested the Magpies maintain an interest and he could cost just £15million.
That is a potential huge savings compared to previous target Bryan Mbeumo. Brentford are thought to be demanding £60million for a player looking likely to join Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
Likewise, Nottingham Forest wideman Anthony Elanga - another player Newcastle like - would cost around £50million. Kuhn is a cheaper alternative, with his price reflecting an unproven track record in a major European league.
Chris Sutton honest on Nicolas Kuhn
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton is unsure whether Kuhn should leave just yet. He wrote in his Daily Record column: “Chat about a potential £15million bid for the winger has led to some fans suggesting the club should cash in. There will be a time to sell Kuhn. But now is not the time.
“I have my doubts Celtic would get £15million for the German this summer, for a start. He struggled at first in Scotland as he struggled having lost weight with those dental problems. He was sensational in the first half of the season and looked like a certainty to clean up the player of the year awards.
“Yet he did go off the boil a bit following the Bayern Munich game and it does pose questions about his consistency. Are teams going to cough up big money on the back of a spectacular six months? They might do, but I’m not so sure. Newcastle United were credited with interest back in January but I can’t see him shifting the likes of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon.”
RB Leipzig also interested
“RB Leipzig are the ones mentioned now and perhaps that’s understandable given he took his old club apart in the Champions League,” Sutton added. “It just seems like the wrong time to be even considering selling though. I think Celtic will struggle to get top dollar and yet I believe he will be worth more down the line. Kuhn isn’t ready for me.
“Sometimes you get the feeling a player has reached the natural stage where the next step is inevitable. We saw it with Matt O’Riley and Kieran Tierney. They have achieved a lot at Celtic, the money was right and it was the correct step for them personally. Kuhn isn’t at that stage. Yet.”
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