Newcastle United did not strengthen their central defensive options during the summer transfer window.

While the signing of a new centre-back was believed to have been on the agenda, FFP constraints limited what Newcastle could do in the transfer market.

Indeed, the likes of Joachim Andersen and Harry Maguire were linked but nothing came to fruition.

Typically, then, Newcastle lost Sven Botman to a reasonably long-term injury.

Though Jamaal Lascelles has stepped up well and both Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett impressed in the Carabao Cup, none of those feel like particularly long-term solutions for Eddie Howe.

In fact, Newcastle are understood to have decided on a new defensive target.

Jarrad Branthwaite: Newcastle interested in Everton defender Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is now said to be on the radar.

According to Football Transfers, Howe is a big fan of the 21-year-old's after his impressive time of it upon returning to Goodison Park following a loan spell with PSV Eindhoven.

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The Newcastle boss is keen to try and get a deal done in January but that will reportedly come down to how any agreement is structured.

Still, the defender is believed to be a major target at St James' Park and Newcastle have proven they are willing to wait, having signed Botman and Anthony Gordon the window after they were initially interested.

For context, Joelinton is Newcastle's leading interceptor with an average of 1 per game (of those who have made more than one appearance) and Fabian Schar leads the way for blocks over the same period (3.4).

Such is the excitement about Branthwaite, pundit Michael Ball told the A View from the Bullens podcast that: "Being a left-sided player, I know that every club in the world wants a left-sided centre-back."

Perhaps Gordon could play a role too, having inspired the England U21 international before. Branthwaite told Everton's official website in 2020 that: "Seeing Anthony getting his chance only makes younger players want to achieve what they're achieving - to train harder and get better and hopefully get in that team.

"I've done that so far but the hard work is just beginning.

"If someone was to say I'd be playing in the Premier League at this stage, I'd have never believed it.

"I've just got to take it in my stride, keep working hard and see where next season takes me."