The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Could the £100m man who magpies missed a trick with bolster the case for the defence?
NEWCASTLE United’s defensive woes have cost Eddie Howe dear this season and the Toon head coach has not exactly hid from criticism after seeing his defensive rearguard slip from looking unbeatable to vulnerable in the past 12 months.
Last season Newcastle conceded 33 goals in the Premier League overall but with 10 matches left to play they have leaked 48 goals and that could increase in the run-in.
Of course, the absence of England keeper Nick Pope has made a huge difference for the Magpies after he kept 14 clean sheets last term. This season he has five clean sheets to his name but has so far missed 20 matches due to a shoulder injury. For some fans his return can’t come quick enough despite some solid showings from Martin Dubravka.
Although, it isn’t simply down to the goalkeeper situation for Howe and his backroom staff. This season Sven Botman has struggled with injury and form and Kieran Trippier suffered a winter wobble.
Fabian Schar has been everpresent and pretty much unshakable but at Chelsea even the Switzerland international had a bad night.
Dan Burn’s suitability at left-back has been queried by fans for most of the season but aside one-on-ones down the wing, he has good statistics for clearances and tackles.
Whatever way you look at it, Newcastle are looking at centre-back options this summer with Howe after a left-sided stopper. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite fits that bill. But the Toffees star – named in the England squad for the first time yesterday – would be costly with a price tag of £75m-£100m.
Nevertheless the Cumbrian, who Newcastle scouted as a kid before Everton stole in with a £1m move from Carlisle, would be worth the money if it solves some of Howe’s issues this season. Newcastle were told to sign Branthwaite by scouts during the Mike Ashley era and given he came through the ranks at Brunton Park within United’s catchment area it is another clanger from the previous owners. Newcastle sent head of recruitment Steve Nickson to take a close look at Branthwaite in Man United’s recent 2-0 win over Everton but the Red Devils themselves fancy the big defender.
As it stands, Howe must make it work with the players he has at his disposal but he can’t escape what has been said about his defence’s alarming slide. Howe said: “It is a total reverse of last season where we