Newcastle United are unlikely to sign Christian Eriksen this summer despite interest in the midfielder, according to The Northern Echo.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
The club have been touted as a potential landing spot for Eriksen this summer, with his contract at Brentford expiring at the end of the month.
After returning to action in the best possible way following the harrowing scenes at Euro 2020, the 30-year-old is a man in-demand. Naturally, Brentford are looking to keep him in west London, while former club Tottenham and Manchester United have also been linked.
There is reportedly an interest from St James’ Park, although Spurs and Man United are said to have held more substantial talks with Eriksen, with Newcastle needing to seriously outbid their Premier League rivals in order to get a deal over the line.
Is this a blow for Newcastle?
Clearly, Eriksen would improve most teams.
A regular at Spurs as they challenged for both the Premier League and the Champions League, the former Ajax playmaker proved transformative in west London.
Indeed, FBREF data notes only Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold averaged more expected assists per game than Eriksen (0.35, based on players to have made more than two appearances), speaking so much about the quality he possesses.
In fact, only De Bruyne averaged more key passes per game over the same period (3.59 to 3.08), so it’s clear Eriksen would be to offer something on the creative front for most of the teams in the Premier League.
Still, attacking midfield is not believed to be a position in which Newcastle are looking to strengthen. As good as the Danish international is, coupled with his free agent status, Eddie Howe’s transfer priorities seem to lie elsewhere.
What has been said about Eriksen and Newcastle?
Speaking to Football Insider prior to his move to Brentford, pundit Noel Whelan urged Newcastle to make a move.
“They definitely need a bit more creativity in that final third,” he said.
Eriksen is someone who can get on the ball, he’s experienced, he can come up with a goal – and he’s an excellent dead-ball specialist.
“I think any experience and quality they can bring in would be a boost for Newcastle – and he wouldn’t cost them anything.”
