Newcastle were linked with a swoop for Brentford central defender Pontus Jansson last month.
The towering defender’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the Magpies had perhaps sought to do a bargain deal.
That option is off the table now, with Jansson having signed a new contract at Brentford, until the summer of 2023.
Newcastle have not got a new central defender over the line in time for the huge relegation scrap with Watford tomorrow.
Bees boss Thomas Frank, said: “I am very pleased that Pontus has signed a new contract. He has been a big part of the success we have had over the last three years.
“He has been important to our defensive improvement in the last three seasons. Pontus has done well for us in the Premier League, and we are all pleased that he will be with us next season.
“His leadership and communication in defensive situations and his positioning are very important for us.”
Jansson would not have been an ideal defensive recruit but he is experienced and solid, and could have been available at a knockdown price.
That avenue is closed now, and Newcastle may need to pay a premium to get the likes of Sven Botman over the line between now and the end of the transfer window.
How long that signing will take is up in the air and it is more than likely that Newcastle have been quoted some crazy prices by agents and clubs alike.
The latest is that Botman would cost £46 million, which is an awful lot of money but relegation from the top flight would cost more…
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