Newcastle and Everton have suffered a blow in their reported pursuit of Brentford captain Pontus Jansson. The Swede has reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle and Everton – but he has now signed a new deal.
Jansson, 30, was out of contract at the end of the season. A defender with 27 caps in Sweden, who has played 85 times for the Bees since joining London club Leeds in 2019. Now his contract situation is settled.
At least, for another 12 months. The former Leeds centre-back has put pen to paper on a new deal, which will at least end any immediate speculation regarding his services. The Guardian says Newcastle and Everton are enthusiastic.
However, both Premier League sides will now be forced to look elsewhere – at least for next year – if they aim to strengthen their squads in central defence. Brentford confirmed this on Twitter.
Newcastle and Everton blow: Jansson ideal for Howe’s Toon
While Everton hardly need a centre-back. Michael Keane and Yerry Mina are certainly the top choice, while the cover comes in the form of Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate. All four are great viable options.
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Another centre-back is hardly needed. In Newcastle, Jansson would have been ideal. Firstly, they are in dire need of a centre-back – Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Fede Fernandez aren’t good enough.
But Newcastle also need players who don’t need time to adapt to the Premier League and improve them straight away. Like Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood. Jansson would have been another example.
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