Brentford ‘make enquiry about Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen’ as they consider the Newcastle target ‘as an alternative option to Nathan Collins’
Brentford have reportedly made an enquiry over the signing of Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen.
Thomas Frank is keen to strengthen his defensive options this season and have already seen a £21m bid rejected for Wolves centre back Nathan Collins.
Collins still tops their list as a potential defender they can build around for the future, but the Bees are also considering alternative options.
The Athletic have reported that they have made an enquiry over Palace defender Joachim Anderson, who they value at around £20m.
However, they have been told by Palace that the Danish international is not for sale and that the Eagles would demand a higher fee if he was available.
Brentford have made an enquiry about signing Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen
Manager Thomas Frank is keen to strengthen his defensive options going into next season
Mail Sport last week reported that Newcastle have also made an enquiry over the 27-year-old.
Palace’s asking price though could also be a sticking point in his negotiations for the Magpies.
Andersen joined Crystal Palace in 2021 from Lyon for £17million after he impressed on loan with Fulham during the 2020-21 season.
He has continued to build a reputation as one of the best centre backs outside the Big Six clubs over his two season at Selhurst Park, where he still has three years remaining on a five-year contract.
Andersen started 32 games in the Premier League season, forming an impressive partnership alongside England international Marc Guehi.
Brentford’s search for a defender comes following Pontus Jansson’s exit to Malmo, and due to Krisstofer Ajer’s concerning injury record.
Since joining the Bees from Celtic in July 2021 for £13.5m, Ajer has played less than half of the club’s league matches in that time due to injuries.
Brentford have already seen a £21m bid rejected for Wolves centre back Nathan Collins
Newcastle have also made an enquiry over signing Anderson during the summer window
Their search for a defender is proving tough with Collins not viewed as a player who Wolves are eager to cash in on this summer.
They did sign a defender for the future in the form of South Korean Kim Ji-Soo from K League Two side Seongnam for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract.
The 18-year-old centre-back will join the Bees B team set-up, and, subject to international clearance, will arrive at the west London club for the start of pre-season training on Thursday.
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