Newcastle United are in the market for a defender, and have been linked with a move for Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough year at Goodison Park, becoming a Premier League regular under the management of Sean Dyche.
He has made 12 appearances for Everton so far this season, and was recently described as ‘magnificent‘ by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.
Branthwaite is playing very well for the Toffees, which is why he is attracting interest from clubs higher up the division.
One of those is Newcastle, with Football Transfers claiming that Eddie Howe is a big fan of the former Carlisle defender.
That is no surprise given his performances, but he could actually be working with Branthwaite at St James’ Park right now had it not been for the Magpies’ previous owners.
Newcastle wanted Jarrad Branthwaite before he joined Everton
Branthwaite got his big move in January 2020, leaving Carlisle United to sign for Everton. He cost them £1million.
They bought him because of his potential, and he is starting to realise it now. And it is potential that Newcastle were aware of as well.
Branthwaite was also a target for the Magpies back then, when Mike Ashley still owned the club and Steve Bruce was the manager.
It was reported by the Shields Gazette that Newcastle actually had first dibs on Branthwaite, given the strong relationship they had with Carlisle United at the time.
But the Magpies seemingly passed up the opportunity to sign the towering defender, giving Everton the chance to swoop in.
Now Newcastle are interested again, with a different owner and manager at the helm, but they might have to pay for the mistakes of their predecessors.
It has been claimed that Branthwaite could cost Newcastle up to £45million, which is a £44million increase on his asking price almost four years ago.
If only we had done a deal back in 2020…
