Livingston manager David Martindale has played down speculation linking Jack Fitzwater with Premier League outfit Newcastle United, labelling the rumours ‘far-fetched’ in conversation with the Record.
With all due respect to a talented, 24-year-old central defender – one who has come on leaps and bounds in recent months – this is not the sort of marquee, Football Manager-style signing Newcastle supporters were dreaming of when those Saudi Arabian billionaires kicked Mike Ashley out of office in October.
The Magpies swaggered into the winter window with dreams of Diego Carlos and Sven Botman. Failing that, a Nathan Ake or a James Tarkowski.
Now, with just four days of the transfer window remaining, their centre-back search appears to have been downgraded from ‘ambitious’ to ‘attainable’.
Fitzwater, a Birmingham-born, former West Brom youngster, will cost somewhere in the region of just £1 million, according to The Mail. Newcastle, Burnley and Watford are reportedly keen.
Will Livi sell Fitzwater?
“I think it’s probably paper talk with Newcastle and other Premier League clubs,” says Martindale.
“But Championship clubs in England would be daft not to be looking at him. One of the reasons I brought him into the club was because he ticked all the boxes as one who could earn a big move.
“I think Newcastle is probably a wee bit far-fetched at this point in time. But there were Championship sides looking at him last year and I’d imagine there is this year too. He’s kicked on massively this season.
“He’s performing well so he should be attracting interest from teams.”
Will Newcastle United sign a defender in the January transfer window?
Martindale insists that Livingston are yet to receive an offer or an approach for Fitzwater.
That could change, however, with Monday’s 11pm deadline looming on the horizon.
And the manager adds that he will not stand in Fitzwater’s way if a club from south of the border comes calling over the weekend.
“If there’s any Championship or Premier League clubs interested in any players at Livingston, call me and we’ll sort it out,” Martindale says.
“That’s what we want. It could be a life-changing move for them because it’s a huge step up financially.
“Everyone and everybody is available. I’d drive them down myself, but that’s what we want as a football club. We want our players to be getting these moves because it benefits all parties.”
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