The Kieran Tierney to Newcastle transfer pitch as Celtic dream return swerved but key non negotiable remains

In-demand Kieran Tierney will land a starting spot at Newcastle United if he signs from Arsenal this summer, insists Didi Hamann.

And the former Magpies midfielder reckons he would be the perfect signing for Eddie Howe despite hype ramping up over a return to Celtic for the Scotland international. Tierney struggled for game time under Mikel Arteta last term following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko and while Arsenal are reportedly keen on keeping the 26-year-old at the club as a squad player he looks set to lave the Emirates.

Newcastle have been long-term admirers and Eddie Howe is in the market for a left back, but the boss had already admitted the English Premier League side may be forced to sell before they add any new faces amid Financial Fair Play constraints. While a Toon bid is held up the Scottish Premiership champions appear keen on bringing the player back to Celtic Park - with boss Brendan Rodgers refusing to rule out a deal.

But speaking to Lord Ping the retired German international breezed over his chances of a move to Celtic - and talked up the merits of a switch to St James' Park should he leave the Gunners. He said: "Newcastle need more players in their squad because they're in the Champions League now.

"Kieran Tierney is a very reliable player who performs well every time he makes an appearance for Arsenal. Obviously, those chances have been limited now. He'd be a very good player at Newcastle. He's too good to be a squad player and needs to be starting, which he can do at Newcastle this season coming."

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