'They checked' - Transfer approach confirmed as Newcastle United trigger deal

Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth has revealed he was approached by another club during the January transfer window.

Krafth had six months remaining on his contract at the beginning of the year and that caught the attention of other teams until the Magpies triggered an one-year extension.

Among those interested were Swedish champions Malmo but Krafth isn't ready to return to his homeland just yet.

“Yes, they checked with the agent," said Krafth. "I don’t think it was more than that.

“They were a bit optimistic. I feel that I have a few years left abroad before that question should be addressed. But I feel that I’m not done abroad."

The 29-year-old signed a two-year contract extension at Newcastle in the summer of 2024 but months later suffered an ACL injury that would rule him out for 15 months.

Krafth made his long-awaited comeback in November and started Carabao Cup matches against Manchester United and Chelsea. He also played the majority of the 3-0 win over Fulham in December after Fabian Schar's withdrawal.

With his previous deal set to expire at the end of the campaign, Krafth admitted he was unsure over his future but a conversation with Eddie Howe helped formed a clearer picture.

Krafth said last month: "Before the meeting, I didn’t really know where the club and the coach stood but afterwards it felt obvious. It was a huge relief to hear that he and the club wanted to keep me.

"It is clear there were some thoughts in other directions, but after the meeting I had with him, it was the nail in the coffin. It became much easier to sign.

“He [Eddie Howe] was really on me, he pushed it the most. We had a nice conversation where he said that I wasn’t going anywhere, that he trusted me very much and that I never disappointed him. Then he has respected my injury and therefore

"I may not have played as much as I wanted, but he was very clear that he wanted to keep me and that I was absolutely not going anywhere. He said that I have a long future at the club.

Krafth moved to St James' Park for £5million in 2019 from Amiens and has gone on to make 75 appearances. He is behind Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento in the pecking order at right-back but is unfazed by the competition for places.

“We are a top club, of course there should be competition," the versatile defender added. "I like that, it makes me better when I can compete with good players. I don’t think you should be seen as an obvious number one all the time, but everything should be about how you perform in training and matches.”