Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with Eddie Howe a big fan of the youngster.
According to FootballTransfers, the Toon are keen to sign a long-term successor to Fabian Schar, with Branthwaite emerging as a target for Newcastle having enjoyed a good season with Everton.
The defender has slotted in nicely in Sean Dyche’s system having returned from PSV Eindhoven on loan, with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer labelling Branthwaite as a ‘magnificent’ defender.
At 21-years-old and already a regular in the Premier League, there’s a lot to like with Branthwaite as Newcastle begins to widen their search for a young central defender.
And given the direction Howe is taking the Magpies, Branthwaite could be a dream long-term signing for Newcastle, especially if Everton can be seduced into a sale.
Indeed, Branthwaite himself might also be tempted by the idea of joining Newcastle, especially with the defender growing up in the area in nearby Carlisle.
Newcastle have to put in the groundwork to sign Branthwaite
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Newcastle have been incredibly smart with their finances since the PIF takeover, and Branthwaite would be yet another sensible transfer if the Magpies were able to pull off the deal.
The defender has impressed in the Premier League for one of the league’s most dysfunctional sides in Everton, and a switch to Newcastle could really elevate the 21-year-old.
Moreover, with the Toffees in such a mess financially as they currently are, making a massive profit on Branthwaite could be worth it for Everton in the long-term, even with the Toon a Premier League rival.