Newcastle prioritizes the crucial Everton player for January, raising the possibility of another Anthony Gordon.
According to reports, Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite is the top player Eddie Howe wants to add to Newcastle United during the January transfer window.
Newcastle made a raid on Everton in January of last year in order to sign Anthony Gordon, and it looks like they are now targeting another homegrown player in the Toffees lineup.
According to a FootballTransfers report, Howe is a huge fan of Branthwaite and believes he should be the one to strengthen Newcastle’s defense.
The Magpies were considering making an investment in a new center back during the summer, someone who could eventually replace Fabian Schar.
They have been working on their shortlist in recent weeks, but they decided to wait until 2024 to pursue a new defender.
Today, TEAMtalk disclosed that they are preparing a move for Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen.
However, they will need to remain flexible because the Bundesliga leaders might not want to do business.
FootballTransfers has now entered Branthwaite’s name in the running. Howe thinks he would fit right in with Newcastle’s defense, per the website.
This is true even though Branthwaite is a left-footed player and Newcastle already has a regular starter with a similar profile in Sven Botman.
Nevertheless, it’s suggested that Branthwaite could be used on the right side of a defensive duo, where his quickness would help Kieran Trippier at right back.
Besides, Botman is currently sidelined with a knee injury, which has highlighted how Newcastle – especially while still involved in the Champions League – might need more depth in defence.
Everton, though, have Branthwaite under contract until 2027 after rewarding him with an extension last month.
The 21-year-old returned to the club over the summer after a loan spell with PSV in the Eredivisie.
He has not missed a minute of their most recent 12 matches between the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
Branthwaite open to Newcastle move
Interestingly, the report suggests a move to Newcastle is not something he would reject; instead, he appears to be intrigued by the prospect of playing at St. James’ Park.
It will take time to see if Branthwaite decides to move forward, though, as there has reportedly been no communication between the two clubs.
It would be shocking to see him leave Everton so soon after his reintegration into their setup, considering that he signed a new contract just a few weeks ago, but stranger things have happened in sports.
The report also states that Newcastle may be enticed to place a January bid in order to beat out rivals because they believe other bidders will be interested in Branthwaite in the summer.
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