A report in the Daily Mirror about Mike Ashley’s meeting with Steve Bruce claims that Newcastle United have an interest in Everton’s Mason Holgate.
Bruce met Ashley to ask the Newcastle owner for money to bring in a player who will make a difference and help the Toon secure their top-flight safety.
Is Holgate a player Newcastle need?
Yes, good defender
No, not a position Newcastle need to strengthen
Most reports, so far, have suggested that the Toon want to add attacking players and not defenders, but the Mirror believes that Newcastle have an interest in Holgate.
Why would Newcastle want Holgate?
The 23-year-old, who is valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, has been with Everton for four years, and in that time, he has made 68 appearances for the Toffees and has impressed at points but also struggled at others.
This season the former Barnsley man has made 16 appearances and has found himself in favour since Everton lost to Brighton.
It is not clear if Everton would make Holgate available but if he were then it seems that Newcastle might make a move for the 23-year-old.
TiF Tactics – Do they need him?
Newcastle have six players who can play centre-back, but Federico Fernandez’s deal expires at the end of the season and talks have not begun over a new contract for the Argentine.
If the Magpies were to let him go, then they would need to find a replacement, and Holgate could be that man.
Although, his versatility could be useful for the Magpies as he’s operated at right-back, centre-back and at the heart of the midfielder already this season.
Indeed, for this window, the Toon need a striker to support a forward line that has only one Premier League goal between them.
Holgate might be one for the summer, but for now, attacking additions should be the focus for Newcastle.