Newcastle United linked with move for Jarrad Branthwaite

Reports on Tuesday said the Magpies are considering a January swoop for Everton's ex-Carlisle United defender.

Branthwaite has shone in his run of Premier League outings for the Toffees this season.

The England Under-21 international has a growing list of admirers.

And, according to FootballTransfers, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is among them.

They claim Branthwaite is regarded as a potential long-term successor for Fabien Schar at St James' Park, although it is said there has not yet been contact over a potential transfer to the Saudi-backed Magpies.

Branthwaite, who recently signed a long-term deal at Everton, is flourishing in the top flight after a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season.

The 21-year-old has previously been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and West Ham United.

The Wigton star is currently on Under-21 duty with England taking on Serbia on Saturday and Northern Ireland next Tuesday.

U21 head coach Lee Carsley this week said Branthwaite should be aiming to maintain his form in order to target an eventual senior call-up with the Three Lions.

“The way he trained every day, the way he was around the environment, he deserves the chances he's getting and it's his place,” said Carsley of Branthwaite's place in the Young Lions side.

“Hopefully he keeps playing well for Everton, keeps playing well for the Under-21s and puts himself in the picture for the senior team."

The defender came through Carlisle's academy before joining Everton in January 2020.

He has now made 20 Premier League appearances for the Merseyside club.

Carlisle would stand to benefit from a future big-money move involving the big defender.

Speaking at a summer fans' forum, United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens, referring to the deal that took Branthwaite to Everton nearly four years ago, said: “Branthwaite was done as a normal transfer, negotiated, and we’ve had cash up front and we’re due for a profit share. We’d earn something there."