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Newcastle are reportedly in pole position to sign Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers despite his price doubling in the past few weeks.

The 23-year-old came up through the Spurs’ youth ranks before making his first-team debut in September 2016. He totalled four cup outings during 2016-2017 but that is all he has to show for five years at the club. The USA international has been loaned out to many clubs and it is clear he needs to put down roots.

And they might be on Tyneside after temporary spells with Sheffield United, Ipswich, Swansea, Stoke and Luton Town. It has been a strange few years for the Southend-born centre-back, with uncertainty over his next destination.

He has racked up 129 appearances in all competitions during his travels around the country. It was reported back in May that Spurs wanted £10m for the stopper.

But that seems to have been wide of the mark. Football Insider are reporting that he was initially valued at just £2.5m.

However, that has now jumped to £5m as the north Londoners triggered a 12-month extension option to boost his value. Neither of those price tags will frighten the Magpies despite owner Mike Ashley’s reluctance to fork out for new players.

Steve Bruce is looking to build on his side’s encouraging 12th-place finish. They profited from a strong end to the campaign, with five wins a draw from the final eight matches.

But it is certain to be tough once again in 2021-2022 with rivals actively recruiting in the off-season.

Celtic fans of Carter-Vickers

The north-east outfit might be frontrunners to sign the Spurs outcast but nothing is ever simple in football. And Celtic might be a fly in the ointment over Bruce’s hopes of landing the youngster.

The Glasgow giants are known to be in the market for a couple of defenders. And they have also been linked with the much-travelled centre-half.

But the report insists Newcastle hold all the aces in the race for the player. He is now back in pre-season training with those who have returned but knows he has no chance of playing.

Carter-Vickers spent last season on loan with Bournemouth and helped them reach the Championship play-offs. The Cherries lost 3-2 on aggregate to Brentford in the semi-finals but he enhanced his reputation with some solid displays.

Fans will hopefully return to domestic football in August. And he could have a chance to play in front of the St James’ Park faithful and finally prove his worth in the top flight.

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