'Suits me' - Striker almost joined Newcastle United just months before £48m transfer
Jorgen Strand Larsen almost joined Newcastle United before moving to Crystal Palace a few months later.
Newcastle United will come up against a player they almost signed last summer when they next return to Premier League action.
The Magpies travel to Crystal Palace after the international break and leading the hosts’ attack is expected to be Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Strand Larsen began the campaign at Wolverhampton Wanderers and later penned an improved contract after the Molineux outfit rejected bids as high as £55million from Newcastle.
However, the extension turned out to mean very little as the 26-year-old went on to join Palace in January for a club-record £48m. United cooled their interest after signing Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade for a combined £119 million.
Strand Larsen had scored just one Premier League goal this season but has since increased his tally to four goals in six matches since moving to Selhurst Park.
Jorgen Strand Larsen almost joined Newcastle United before Crystal Palace move
The former Celta Vigo striker is currently on international duty with Norway and has been discussing his mid-season transfer ahead of facing Newcastle.
“It has been six months that have been completely hopeless,” Strand Larsen told Norwegian newspaper VG. “It has been very tough mentally, physically and in every way possible.
“I didn’t want it to end that way at Wolves, because it’s a fantastic club that I care about. I hoped things would change, but for me it was important to take a step forward.
“When you have zero wins after half a season, there is of course a lot of pressure from outside. We footballers also put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We have high expectations and everyone wants to take new steps and be ‘the main man’. Especially me who didn’t quite get it. So, it was tough, but that’s in the past now.
“Palace suits me very well. It’s a style of play that suits me well. We have players who can put me in good situations, so I think it’s going to be very good.”
Strand Larsen has already played against Newcastle for Wolves this year after coming on as a 68th-minute substitute in the goalless draw at Molineux back in January.
He missed the reverse fixture at St James’ Park, which the Magpies won 1-0, due to injury.