Newcastle Utd News

Bigger fish to fry in January window than this £6.3m-rated defender – opinion

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Newcastle United are allegedly well in the hunt for Everton defender Mason Holgate in the upcoming window.

According to reports from Football Insider, the Magpies are eager to add more numbers to their defence and have therefore targeted Everton centre back Mason Holgate as a potential option.

A ‘Newcastle source’ has allegedly told the outlet that he is on the club’s wishlist for the upcoming window and will be keeping a close eye on him throughout January.

The defender, who is rated at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, allegedly has a £14m price tag on him, but with him getting some more regular football of late, the Toffees are still in two minds as to whether they want to get rid of the 23-year-old.

Even though United have been dealt a tough hand with injuries to defenders this season, they have much more pressing issues within the squad that they need to address.

For starters, they already have an extensive list of centre halves; James Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark, Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett all capable of playing in centre back within Bruce’s 5-4-1. Many of these players have faced injuries this season, however, as we approach the Christmas period Lascelles it the only one who seems to be out for an extensive period of time.

Would you sign Holgate for £14m in January?

Yes, we need defenders

No, he isn't good enough

Yes, Holgate is versatile and can play on the right, however, he would be a defensive-minded right-wing back if he was to play there.

With six solid centre backs to choose from, Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce would be better off splashing the money elsewhere in the squad, where there is a bigger lack of options, such as up front or on the wing.

With only 17 goals scored and 23 conceded, it is clear the problems lie in the attack. From those 17, only two have been scored by a winger or striker (Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton), so perhaps they would be better off spending their money there.

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