Journalist: Newcastle will have to pay multi-million fee to sign exit-linked Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite in January
Newcastle United will have to pay a multi-million fee if they want to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in January, according to Joe Buck.
Writing on The Shields Gazette website on Wednesday (15 November), the journalist said the Magpies will likely have to pay a similar fee for the 21-year-old to the £45million they paid the Blues to sign Anthony Gordon earlier this year.
It was reported by the Football Transfers website on Monday (13 November) that the England U-21 international would be “keen” on a move to Tyneside if the opportunity were to come about.
“If Newcastle United are to strike a deal with Everton for Branthwaite in January, then they will likely have to fork-out a fee around the same amount they paid to secure Anthony Gordon’s services during the last winter window,” said Buck. “Gordon, who joined Newcastle in the final few days of January, cost the Magpies £45million.”
Resist
It will be a slight concern for Everton fans that Newcastle and other clubs are currently keeping an eye on Branthwaite’s progress.
The centre-back has been excellent after breaking into the Toffees’ side this season after making 12 appearances over the past few months, having previously seen his opportunities be fairly limited.
His form during that time has really caught the attention of other Premier League sides, but the fact he signed a new four-year contract at Goodison last month will provide the Blues supporters with some reassurance.
It will largely depend on the Englishman’s desire to remain on Merseyside and whether the club need to sell him given their well-document financial problems.
They certainly should be looking to resist any temptation to move him on if they can, though, as he could be a huge player for the club and his value is only set to rise over the coming years.
In other Everton news, a BBC pundit wanted one “sensational” Toffees man to join another Premier League club.