Reports this morning have revealed that Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer was watched by Newcastle scouts at Ibrox yesterday.

The Scottish Sun detail that representatives from the Toon club were in attendance as John Kennedy's Hoops suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of city rivals Rangers.

The article goes on to state that St James' Park boss Steve Bruce is keen to strike a deal for Ajer, with Norwich City also interested in his services.

Ajer is currently in his final year of his Parkhead contract and looks set to depart Glasgow this summer.

The Norwegian moved to Parkhead in 2016 after a succesful youth career in his native Norway.

Meanwhile, Scott Brown has backed Celtic to build back stronger without him.

The Hoops skipper – who is heading to Aberdeen this summer – bowed out of the Old Firm arena after 14 years and 44 derby clashes on Sunday.

But his hopes for one last triumph over Rangers where blown apart at Ibrox as the curtain crashed down on top of him.

Steven Gerrard’s team ran up their biggest win over their bitter rivals since 2007 with a 4-1 drubbing.

It is the first time in 21 years that Celtic – who had Callum McGregor sent off in the first half – have not managed to rack up a single league win against their old foes while they were in the same division.

But while it was a painful way to depart the derby scene, Brown has no doubt the Parkhead men will return as a major force next season.

“It’s been a hard season but Celtic will be back next season,” insisted the 35-year-old. “We’re as disappointed as much as the fans are. We’re sorry for letting them down over the whole season.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the team ultimately. This is definitely a low blow for us.

“We’ve had some fantastic games here but today we didn’t deserve 4-1. The lads fought but it was always going to be a hard performance with 10 men for 65 minutes.

“It’s going to be a big change around over the summer. There’s going to be a new manager in place.

“For me it’s the right time for myself to go, it’s a new challenge for me but this club will be back, it’s a fantastic club. Over the years we’ve had one really bad season over the last 10. I have faith in the players.

“I’m sad to be going but it’s the right time for me. It’s a huge fixture, Rangers versus Celtic, and to be fair I’ve enjoyed them.

“I’ve had some great memories in them as well as some disappointing ones. I’ve got two games left at Celtic and I need to make the most of them.”