Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer is a big fan of one of the Magpies’ defensive transfer targets this summer.
The club are going to be in the market for a centre-back when the transfer window opens, and their need for reinforcements in that position has only intensified following news of Sven Botman‘s injury. It has also been claimed that Toon officials want to sign a left-back.
But a centre-back will surely take priority, with Newcastle needing someone who can eventually replace Fabian Schar when the time is right. They will want to bring in the player who can be Botman’s long-term partner at the back, which is why a lot of the Magpies’ targets are under the age of 25-years-old.
Goncalo Inacio from Sporting has emerged as a possible target, while his teammate Ousmane Diomande is also on Newcastle’s radar.
And the same goes for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, who is enjoying a breakthrough season at Goodison Park. It was recently reported by the Chronicle that Newcastle are taking a strong look at the 21-year-old, and he is a player who comes strongly recommended by Alan Shearer.
Alan Shearer really likes Jarrad Branthwaite
Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer did a Q&A for The Athletic on Wednesday, and was asked about Branthwaite after he failed to make his England debut during the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The youngster was included in the squad, but was not given a chance to play by Gareth Southgate.
Shearer was asked if he was surprised to see Branthwaite not feature, and whether or not the snub would impact his chances of going to Euro 2024.
“It won’t specifically damage his chances because, as disappointing as it was that he didn’t get a game, the player who did play ahead of him, Dunk, made a big error,” he wrote.
“That might even aid Branthwaite’s chances.
“I do like him. I think he has a big future ahead of him.”
Branthwaite is a major talent who Newcastle probably can’t afford
Shearer is right, Branthwaite certainly does have a big future in the game. He has been outstanding for Everton, which is why he is being linked with a move to a team higher up the Premier League table.
The likes of Manchester City and Manchester United have been linked, as well as Newcastle.
In truth, it is difficult to envision him moving to St James’ Park. That is mainly because of his price tag, with transfer insider Graeme Bailey recently telling Geordie Boot Boys that Branthwaite will cost more than £70million this summer. And that is a fee that he does not think Newcastle United will pay.
I would agree, as it would mean smashing our transfer record. And that feels unlikely given the club’s current issues regarding the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
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