Newcastle United are allegedly wanting not one but two of Everton’s defenders in the January transfer window.
According to reports in the Northern Echo, the Magpies are hoping to bolster the squad with the signing of two young defenders, and could also see Javier Manquillo leave the club.
It is said that they are sniffing around for versatile centre-back Mason Holgate as well as versatile centre-back Lewis Gibson – who left the club in 2017 – to try and add more numbers and youth to their backline.
The report goes onto say that Bruce is looking at bringing in two to three signings this January if it can possibly get done.
Holgate, 23, has found himself being a bit-part player so far this season at Goodison Park, though he has now notched up nine appearances in a row, as well as eight starts. Obviously, with a new manager to come into the club his role could change, but at the moment, he is not a player that the Toffees will want to lose.
Transfermarkt rate the former England U21 international at £6.3m, however, reports in the Echo suggest that he will not be able to leave for any less than £14m.
Considering Everton are in the midst of a relegation battle, selling someone who has had eight starts on the bounce to another rival at the bottom of the table just seems like a strange thing to do, so if it was to come off, it would come as a bit of a surprise.
Gibson, on the other hand, is a much more likely signing. The 19-year-old left St James’ Park a few years ago as he had become ‘disillusioned’ with the youth set-up at the time and subsequently left for Everton for a fee of £6m.
Would you sign Holgate for £14m in January?
Yes, we need defenders
No, he isn't good enough
Despite this move, the former U17 World Cup winner has struggled to progress at Goodison Park and has not made a senior appearance. With his contract expiring in the summer, Bruce is reportedly keen to move him back to Tyneside and give him a chance to come through at his childhood club – and that seems a deal which could suit all parties involves, apart from Everton.
The Northern Echo also believe that Manquillo could be of the interest of West Ham in January, costing them £5m.