Transfer Talk: Dominant Danso would tighten Toon rearguard

Kevin Danso's defensively dominant performances this season have caught the attention of Champions League-chasing Newcastle.

The centre-back failed to make the grade while on loan at Southampton but has since excelled in Ligue 1 with Lens. 

He has been keeping some of France's best attackers at bay while also showcasing his considerable ability with the ball at his feet. 

As Newcastle prepare to host Tottenham in a crucial top-four clash this afternoon, we consider what Danso could bring to the Magpies' backline.

Learning at Lens

After a disappointing loan at Saints in 2019-20, Danso found a home in the north of France.

Under the tutelage of Franck Haise, the 24-year-old Austrian has begun to hit the heights it was hoped he would at St Mary's Stadium. 

Lens sit second behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, with Danso making 31 appearances and proving a decisive figure in their impressive campaign.

He is usually fielded in the centre of a three-man unit and charged with commanding the defence and distributing the ball.

Haise's high praise

Lens head coach Haise has given his full backing to Danso, describing the youngster as one of Europe's best in his position. 

He said: "Kevin [Danso] is our boss. He gives commands, he directs his team-mates with a lot of vigour and passion. 

"He is a leader by nature. This role suits him wonderfully and he fulfils it with much enthusiasm. Kevin is a top professional. Every day in training, he is very serious. 

"Kevin is now one of the best central defenders in Ligue 1, but also in Europe. 

"He has developed into a complete defender who is not only strong in the air but also has good technique with few mistakes in his build-up play and very clean passing."

Bolstering the squad

Newcastle have been one of the Premier League's most solid units this season. 

Ahead of this weekend, they had recorded an impressive 13 clean sheets in 30 outings and conceded just 24 goals — the least in the English top flight. 

But Newcastle lack genuine competition for starting centre-back pair Fabian Schar and Sven Botman.

Danso could provide that — and give Eddie Howe the option of utilising a back three. 

Also, with the potential of continental football next season, Newcastle will have more fixtures to contend with and will require more than just their impressive duo to share the minutes.

Champions League dreams

The 13-cap Austria international has downplayed a potential move — but did state his ambitions of playing Champions League football. 

He said: "I have a contract with Lens until 2026, my goal is to play regularly in the Champions League. 

"I keep concentrating only on my performance." 

While Lens certainly seem likely to take part in Europe's premier club competition next season, Danso's preference may be to join a side who are — or can become — mainstays in the tournament.

Top-four decider

Newcastle welcome Spurs to Tyneside in a monumental fixture in the race for Champions League qualification. 

Both sides were beaten in their last outing. Tottenham by a last-gasp winner against Bournemouth, while the Magpies were crushed 3-0 at Aston Villa. 

A win would see Newcastle build a six-point cushion over their visitors and boost their efforts to cement a top-four spot. 

It would also hugely help to attract transfer targets like Danso to St James' Park this summer.