Report: NUFC have identified long-term replacement for Fabian Schar and could move in January
Source: Nufc

Newcastle United have been short of defensive options this season but may have found the ideal player to approach in January.

Sven Botman and Fabian Schar struck up an almost impenetrable defensive partnership last season but this term, Sven Botman has now missed more games than he's appeared in.

Fortunately, Jamaal Lascelles and Schar are doing a stellar job. However, it's still clear that Newcastle are lacking bodies in the centre of defence, especially ones with pace.

Newcastle believe they have identified the perfect successor to Fabian Schar That could be set to change in January as Football Transfers reports that Eddie Howe is very keen on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who in turn is open to a move to St James' Park.

Jarrad BranthwaitePAUL TERRY/SPORTIMAGE

Branthwaite is keen on a move to Newcastle 21-year-old Branthwaite spent last season on loan at PSV and since returning to Everton has cemented his place in the first team under Sean Dyche while becoming one of the Premier League's in-form defenders.

The report suggests that Everton would be willing to sell for the right price and that Eddie Howe would prefer to get the deal done in the New Year rather than waiting until the summer when the competition for his signature would be more fierce.

Another January raid on Everton could be on the cards Newcastle raided Everton last January and brought in Anthony Gordon who, after an adjustment period, is now one of our best players. It's believed that Branthwaite could be a similar success story in defence as Newcastle look to find a long-term replacement for 31-year-old Fabian Schar.

We are really hoping there's truth to this one as Jarrad Branthwaite has been phenomenal this season, especially given the side he's been playing in.

At 21 he has his entire career ahead of him and will only improve with age. We've got our fingers crossed for this one.