Newcastle United are keen on signing Everton defender Mason Holgate, according to Football Insider.
The 23-year-old has established himself as a regular for the Toffees in recent weeks, starting seven consecutive matches at the heart of defence.
It is understood that he is valued at around £14 million by the Merseyside club, with the Magpies eager to strengthen their backline in the January transfer window.
To that end, Holgate is capable of playing at full-back as well as in central defence.
OPINION
This sounds unusually ambitious from Newcastle, if we’re being honest. Holgate has established himself as a regular for Everton this season, and it is unlike the Toon Army to make such a brazen move for a first team player from a rival Premier League club. Whether or not it actually happens remains to be seen, of course, but at the very least, a move would be a statement of intent. The youngster has averaged an impressive 2.1 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game in the Premier League so far this term, as per Whoscored, and he has often been a solid performer for an Everton side who are struggling badly. £14 million is affordable enough, but it remains to be seen how comfortable Mike Ashley would be making that kind of outlay for a defensive player in a winter transfer window. Holgate has plenty of potential though, and the possibility of a high resale value could end up swinging it for the controversial owner.