Report: Newcastle United interested in Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann

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According to the print edition of The Sun (via HITC Sport), Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann is a target for Newcastle United this summer.

Newcastle are hoping to bolster their options across the pitch after a midtable finish. And Rafa Benitez has identified Dann as a top target.

Dann has been with Crystal Palace since 2014 after leaving Blackburn Rovers. The ex-Coventry City and Birmingham City defender has a total of 210 Premier League appearances to his name.

In five years with Crystal Palace, the 32-year-old has racked up 149 appearances, 15 goals and six assists. But injury has limited him to just 13 outings this season.

Even when fully fit, James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho are the current first-choice centre-backs. This could play a factor as Benitez tries to convince Dann to join Newcastle.

The former England U21 international is a powerful centre-back who stands at 6ft 2in tall. Using his physical frame, he also poses a threat from set-pieces.

If Dann moves to Newcastle, he would be competing with several defenders for starting spots. Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Florian Lejeune and Federico Fernandez are among the players competing for centre-back starts.

Dann would add experience and strength in depth for Newcastle. But Crystal Palace want £6m for their defender, which is a steep price for an ageing player.