By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

15th Jun, 2023 | 4:42pm

Sources: Arsenal braced for first Kieran Tierney bid amid Newcastle United and Man City updates

Newcastle United remain in pole position to sign Kieran Tierney with Arsenal braced for bids in the next couple of weeks, sources have told Football Insider.

The Magpies are still in a very strong position to land the 26-year-old, who is keen on a move to the north-east giants in a bid to be closer closer to home.

A formal bid is expected from Newcastle at the end of the month with the first half of July looking pivotal in determining when the Scotland international defender will complete a move.

Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen at left-back and Tierney is top of the club’s shortlist, while Borna Sosa is also understood to be admired.

Football Insider first revealed Newcastle’s strong interest in the former Celtic star in February, and he remains a key target.

Should a deal not be agreed, Aston Villa have joined Man City in monitoring his situation and waiting in the wings.

The former Celtic star is understood to be open to a new experience after four years at The Emirates and play time becoming limited as the squad grows.

The arrival of Aleksandr Zinchenko last summer has seen Tierney drop out of the first choice spot at left-back and he has also missed a lot of matches due to injury.

City have also had their eye on him and are understood to be keen to add depth to their full backs, with a possible deal involving Tierney and Cancelo being floated.

Arsenal signed Tierney from Celtic for £25 million in 2019 and he is on a deal until June 2026.

He has made 123 appearances for Arsenal and has represented his country at every level with 37 full caps to his name.

In other news,  Arsenal pull plug on deal after negotiations collapse.