Newcastle believe Crystal Palace will reduce their initial £40 million asking price for Joachim Andersen but are willing to move on other targets if the south London club holds firm, according to sources.
FootballTransfers revealed Newcastle’s interest in the 27-year-old in June and Eddie Howe is weighing up to bring in a right-sided centre-back into the fold ahead of the new season.
The club feel that Andersen could emulate Fabian Schar’s role as a ball distributor from the back, with Sven Botman acting as the last line of defence.
Howe is also a fan of the player’s rich Premier League experience and feels he can alleviate the pressure faced by Schar playing in four competitions this season.
A lot depends on Palace’s pursuit of Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen, who’s five years Anderson’s junior.
But Manchester United have recently made their interest known about Edmond Tapsoba and that could prove a sticking point in Palace letting Anderson leave.
Newcastle feel that a deal is there to be done, however, and that personal terms between themselves and Anderson are not expected to be a problem.
Newcastle also made a formal approach for Chelsea’s Lewis Hall in June but their move was blocked. Newcastle wanted to make a move permanent but the Blues were unwilling to do that. The side also rejected Newcastle’s approach for Conor Gallagher in January.
The youngster is being looked at by Palace over a loan deal, something Chelsea are more open to. As revealed, the side were not willing to let one of their academy graduates move to a club like Newcastle who are vying for a Champions League spot next season.
Newcastle’s other targets
Newcastle sounded out Federico Dimarco over a possible move and we understand that the club baulked at the initial asking price for the player.
It’s not clear whether they will go back in, while it’s thought that Newcastle may have to use the loan market to ensure they get cover on the left flank, where they use Dan Burn.
Howe is a fan of the system, using a hybrid central defender and wingback but the available names have been few and far between.
