Premier League clubs Everton and Newcastle United are reportedly keeping a close watch on 24-year-old Nottingham Forets defender Joe Worrall.
According to Football League World, several Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Everton and Newcastle United have been alerted by the 24-year-old’s consistent performances at the back for the Championship side. Having come up through the ranks at the club, Worrall has now firmly established himself as a key piece in Steve Cooper’s jigsaw.
He has featured in 17 league games for Nottingham this season and looks nigh on undroppable at the moment. The centre-back’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and the Premier League could beckon this January.
Capable of playing in a back three or a back four, Worrall’s adaptability should hold him in good stead if he makes a step up to the top flight. Both Everton and Newcastle require reinforcements and would welcome the opportunity to bring in the talented and promising defender.
Rafael Benitez’s side is going through what can only be described as an injury crisis. The Everton boss will need reinforcements to account for his missing players and plug in a defence that has so far failed to click as a unit.
The same can be said for Newcastle, who are fighting for their lives to ward off relegation. The Magpies won their first game of the league campaign on Saturday and will hope to turn their fortunes around in the coming months.
While their newfound riches could help Newcastle land superstars like Aurelien Tchouameni in the future, the reality is that they will have to shop at a lower tier of the transfer window this time around for reinforcements.
Worrall is amongst the best defenders in the Championship and appears ready for the big time. While bridging the gap might not happen from the word go, the 24-year-old has so far shown the right aptitude to suggest that he can rise to the challenge. Valued at a modest £10million, the Englishman is well worth the risk.
Another Premier League side looking at Worrall is Burnley. The Clarets are also struggling to ward off the relegation threat and could do with another defender in their ranks. Securing him could prove pivotal, especially if James Tarkowski, a target for Newcastle, is set to leave the club.
Worrall has the potential to become a mainstay in the Premier League. At 24, he is primed for the big time and, under the right guidance, can turn into a dependable defender. Where exactly he will take his talents to next remains to be seen, with Everton, Newcastle and Burnley keen on signing him.