Fulham’s £20m Bid for Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen Rejected as Aston Villa Eye Lutsharel Geertruida

Fulham’s pursuit of strengthening their defense has hit a roadblock after their £20m bid for Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen was rejected. The Cottagers are not deterred, however, and are continuing talks with Aston Villa for centre-back Diego Carlos, who they had a bid rejected for last week.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are showing interest in Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who can play at right-back or as a central defender. The 24-year-old Netherlands international was a key player in Feyenoord’s Dutch title-winning side under current Liverpool manager Arne Slot two seasons ago. Villa are also keen on Tottenham attacking midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, 28.

Crystal Palace’s asking price for Joachim Andersen is £40m after Fulham offered £20m

Fulham are also interested in Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos, pictured during pre-season

Feyenoord and Netherlands defender Lutsharel Geertruida is among Aston Villa’s targets

Villa are also keen on Tottenham and Argentina attacking midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, 28

Aston Villa have had a busy summer in the transfer market, with eight new arrivals, including Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, and Samuel Iling-Junior, as part of a summer spree costing over £135m. They have recouped a similar amount through player sales, with Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz, and Omari Kellyman all moving on for significant fees.

Fulham, on the other hand, have been less active in the summer window, with only three new arrivals, including Ryan Sessegnon, Emile Smith Rowe, and Jorge Cuenca, and three departures, including Joao Palhinha, Tim Ream, and Kieron Bowie.