Lens defender Kevin Danso has confirmed his intention to ‘play regularly in the Champions League’ when quizzed about reports linking him with Newcastle United.
You can probably tell what we are getting at here.
While the one-time Southampton loanee is keen to avoid pouring fuel on the fire, his future beyond this summer uncertain, Danso would obviously struggle to resist an offer from St James’ Park should Eddie Howe’s side secure a top-four spot in the Premier League table.
And, despite Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at an outstanding Aston Villa, they remain very well placed to do just that.
Newcastle United like former Southampton man Kevin Danso
“My aim is to play regularly in the Champions League,” Danso tells Krone Zeitung when the subject of Newcastle’s interest was brought up. “But I’m just concentrating on my performance. That’s why I’ve ‘arrived’ in world football now.
“I have a contract at Lens until 2026.”
Austria international Danso has blossomed on French soil. His outstanding form has Lens dreaming of Champions League qualification themselves, a 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain undoubtedly the highlight of an excellent campaign.
“(We beat PSG) like we’ve been doing all year, collectively. You have to go into the game with confidence, otherwise you’ve already lost,” Danso explains.
“Because, of course, they can create something special out of nothing.”
Danso had spells at MK Dons and Reading as a younger, and played six Premier League games at Southampton during a forgettable loan spell under Ralph Hasenhuttl in 2019/20.
Now labelled ‘one of the best central defenders in Europe’ by Lens coach Franck Haise, the £35 million-rated Danso obviously feels he has unfinished business across the Channel.
“The Premier League is, of course, a very attractive league,” Danso said a few months ago. “If there were to be an opportunity to go back there at some point, that would of course be interesting.
“But I’m not worrying about that now. I just have to see when the time comes to take the next step. Where the overall package suits me best. Currently, this is here in Lens.
“I want to play as well as possible here, finish the season with Lens as high up the table as possible and then we’ll see.”
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