Intriguing new Newcastle United transfer target hints at a possible departure

The defender has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, and Steve Bruce is understood to be interested in the 24-year-old, who joined the club from Bolton Wanderers four years ago.

Bruce has a number of options in central defence, with his squad having strength and depth in that position. Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark, Florian Lejeune and Fabian Schar are all on United’s books, while Paul Dummett and Isaac Hayden can also play there.

United’s interest in Holding – who will reportedly be allowed to leave if Arsenal sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille – hints at a possible summer departure from St James’s Park.

Significantly, 28-year-old Schar – who dislocated his shoulder late last season – is in the final year of his Newcastle deal.