‘I want’ - Top Newcastle United transfer target opens up on ‘big club’ move

Newcastle United transfer target Joachim Andersen has revealed he would be open to a move to a big club - but admitted changes in his future are ‘not always up to him’.

The Crystal Palace centre-back is reportedly admired by Magpies manager Eddie Howe and was suggested as a possible target during the summer transfer window as United considered strengthening at the heart of their defence.

The likes of Sporting CP’s centre-back Gonçalo Inacio, Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba were all linked with a move to Tyneside - but Andersen’s Premier League experience is believed to have put him at the front of United’s thinking.

The 22-times capped Denmark international has made over a century of appearances in English football’s top tier during an initial loan spell with Fulham and after joining Palace in a reported £14million move from French club Lyon during the summer of 2021.

Andersen was asked about his future as he prepares for Denmark’s Euro 2024 double header against San Marino and Finland and he revealed he would like to make a move to a big club ‘within the next few years’.

He told Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet: “There were a few things back and forth, but nothing concrete. It’s not always something I’m in control of. I want to play in the biggest and best clubs in the world, but it is not always up to me when to change.

“But I’m 27, and if I’m going to make a transfer, it should preferably be within the next few years. I’m not getting any younger, and if a club is going to pay for me, they have to be able to see some perspective in it too.”

Newcastle will get a first-hand view of Andersen when Palace travel to St James Park next month.