Newcastle line up swoop for promising Championship defender – report

Fri 21 July 2017 11:02, UK

By Russell Edge

Newcastle are considering a move for Preston North End defender Josh Earl this summer, according to a report.

HITC Sport claim that the Magpies have shown interest in the 18-year-old left-back, who is a graduate of the Championship club’s academy.

Yet to make a competitive appearance for the senior side at Deepdale, he has been taking part in the club’s pre-season friendlies this summer, as manager Alex Neil runs the rule over the promising youngster.

Earl may even be given the chance to shine in front of Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, with the two sides set to go head-to-head in a pre-season clash at Preston on Saturday.

The Championship defender is said to be viewed as a potential replacement for fellow youngster Lewis Gibson, with Everton reported by the Liverpool Echo to have had a £6million bid accepted for the 17-year-old.

If Earl were to arrive at St James’ Park this summer, he would be joining the likes of former Arsenal defender Stefan O’Connor and former Toffee Josef Yarney in arriving to bolster their options at youth and reserve level.

Football Insider verdict

One area which Rafael Benitez has not failed to neglect this summer is his youth and reserve sides. It is important to be bringing through the best young talent possible, and with Earl, it appears he believes to have unearthed another diamond in the rough. While the 18-year-old will not be a first team signing, investing in the future is only a little less important than splashing to cash to secure proven talent. Preston will not want to be letting go of their best prospects easily, but with Newcastle as a Premier League side once again, they have the pulling power, not to mention the financial capabilities, to convince the youngster to a move to the North East.