Newcastle United are interested in signing Joachim Andersen this summer, but look likely to fall short in their pursuit of the Crystal Palace defender.
Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his backline and add more depth to his squad ahead of next season, which is why he is eager for the club to sign a right-sided centre-back.
Andersen has been identified as a possible target, with Newcastle recently launching an enquiry about the 27-year-old Denmark international.
It has been reported that a deal for Anderson could cost around £30million, with the former Lyon man more likely to join the Magpies than his Palace teammate Marc Guehi.
However, a new report from the Athletic hints that Andersen will not be on his way to St James’ Park, or anywhere else for that matter.
Brentford move for Newcastle target Joachim Andersen
According to the Athletic, Brentford are also interested in signing Andersen from Palace. They report that the Bees are looking to pay around £20million for the towering centre-back, but have been told by Palace that he is simply not for sale – and if he was, he would cost a lot more than £20million.
Brentford’s enquiry did not end well, and you have to imagine that Newcastle’s went the same way.
In truth, it is no surprise that Palace want to keep Andersen at Selhurst Park. He was an exceptional signing two years ago, costing £17million.
He has proven to be a worthwhile investment, and it is vital that Palace retain his services with speculation that Guehi could be on his way out. Roy Hodgson’s side would be decimated if they lost their two best centre-backs.
That means Newcastle will have to take their defensive search elsewhere, as they scour the globe for someone to provide backup for Fabian Schar – and perhaps even replace the Switzerland international in the future.
Andersen would have been a smart signing, but he appears to be staying where he is.
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