Newcastle United have now been told that a move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is very unlikely unless the club would be willing to stump up some serious cash.
The 21-year-old has had a breakthrough season on Merseyside and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet, forming a solid centre-back partnership with James Tarkowski.
A new report from iSport now claims that Everton will only consider offers of £100m for the young defender as they are unwilling to lose their top prospect.
Branthwaite was quality against Newcastle
It’s been just two weeks since Everton smashed Newcastle 3-0 in what was a shock result, and Branthwaite had managed to keep Eddie Howe’s attackers quiet all night with his physical presence at the back.
On the night, the centre-back played the full 90 minutes in which he created one big chance, made seven clearances and won 100% of his duels in a solid defensive performance.
Newcastle have previously admired Branthwaite and once upon a time had the chance to sign him for £1m, but now have very little chance of attaining him in the current market.
Even if Newcastle did have £100m to spend, double what has been suggested as their January budget, it’s very unlikely that it would have all gone into signing the 21-year-old given the lack of depth at the club.
Newcastle need another central defender
It may not be Branthwaite that is made a priority, but finding someone in that position will be near the top of the list for Newcastle’s recruits as Fabian Schar and Sven Botman have both had their injury problems this year.
Regardless of injuries, Newcastle are in need of a long-term partner for Botman who has proved to be one of the best in the division and could spend the next decade at St James’ Park.
Given that Branthwaite favours his left foot, a move for the Carlisle-born defender may not have been ideal anyway, but the club will be keeping an eye out for someone of his potential.
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