According to a recent report from the Sunderland Echo, Newcastle United are said to be in the driving seat for the signature of talented Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Magpies are tracking the 17-year-old, and along with them, Glaswegian giants like Celtic and Rangers are also said to be interested. From the Premier League, Southampton are monitoring the situation of Branthwaite.
Why the Tyneside outfit has the upper hand?
The Toon have the upper hand as they have the first refusal on the player which is part of Elias Sorensen’s loan deal at Brunton Park. Sorensen is currently on a season-long loan with Carlisle United, and the two teams have an agreement that the Magpies will be given a chance to sign Branthwaite first if he goes on to leave the Cumbrians.
The centre back has so far made eight appearances for the League Two outfit. Branthwaite debuted for his side when he was 16 earlier this year. He currently has his contract at Brunton Park until 2021.
What can Branthwaite offer?
Branthwaite stands in at almost 6ft’4, and that is one of the reasons why he is strong and dominant in the air. The defender has the qualities of a modern-day centre back as he can pass the ball from the back. He can also surprise the attackers with his pace as he is relatively quick for a defender of that physical stature.
Branthwaite seemingly has the raw ingredients to be a centre back at the top level, and all he needs now is to work hard on the tactical aspect of the game and gain more experience. He is far from a finished product, so the Magpies are probably seeing him as an option for the future. However, in two or three years, he could be ready to play in the Premier League.
What should Bruce do?
The Toon are loaded with impressive defensive options at the moment, but it is always advisable to keep the young pool of players coming in. United should look to move in for the defender in the summer or in January. If they sign him in the winter transfer period, then they should look to loan him back to Carlisle United for the rest of the season so that he can continue to get more game time.
Newcastle United should have the financial power to beat the likes of Celtic and Rangers to this transfer. However, the Scottish clubs could offer him a chance to play in Europe, and maybe Branthwaite might be able to break into their senior team much sooner. Nevertheless, Steve Bruce should look to get this deal done for the 17-year old centre back.
