With the January transfer window just around the corner, Newcastle United are being linked with plenty of players.
While it remains unclear as to how much Newcastle can do with FFP issues still lingering, such uncertainty has not stopped the proverbial rumour mill from churning.
Indeed, while midfield is said to be the priority following Sandro Tonali’s ban from football, defenders are also being touted as targets.
Eddie Howe has been dealing without Sven Botman for much of the campaign, while Fabian Schar is a more recent injury concern.
As such, links with defenders are continuing. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is just one of those amid claims the Toffees are ready to demand as much as £100m for the 21-year-old.
Now, one of his teammates has given a glowing verdict.
Jarrad Branthwaite: Newcastle transfer target praised by Everton teammate
Speaking on the Ben Foster Podcast, Everton defender James Tarkowski was effusive in his praise of his teammate.
“He’s been outstanding because he didn’t even start the first couple of games and then we lost them both and he came in and ever since he has been outstanding,” he said.
“He’s a physical beast. I trust that I can leave him one vs one in the channel because he’s so quick. I think he might be our quickest player.
“People try and run him down the line, I think [Michail] Antonio tried to run him and we know Antonio is a monster himself, and Jarrad just dealt with him down the line and I was like fair enough, I’ll let you deal with it!”
Jarrad Branthwaite to Newcastle: Transfer seems unlikely in January
Branthwaite is certainly making waves in the Premier League, with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer branding him “magnificent” recently.
With Schar over 30, it would make sense to look for a younger option to partner Botman in the years to come.
Still, the fact Everton are reportedly likely to demand so much money surely rules Newcastle out at this stage amid the FFP worries.
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