£20m man now left out of matchday squad after being linked with Newcastle move

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Norwich City are taking on Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup today but will do so without reported Newcastle United target, Todd Cantwell.

Cantwell has been linked with a move to St James’ Park in recent days. Reports this week suggested Newcastle have been in touch with Norwich about Cantwell. It’s claimed the Canaries are open to selling the midfielder, and could accept a bid in the region of £20m.

But despite there being nothing concrete as yet in terms of a bid from the Magpies, Norwich have travelled to Charlton today with Cantwell not even included among the substitutes. And according to The Athletic’s Norwich City journalist, Michael Bailey, his omission is something of a surprise.

Cantwell, 23, has long been lauded as a more than capable midfielder at Premier League level. He scored six goals last season as Norwich went down, and was one of the Canaries’ better players.

Newcastle are looking to make big waves in the January window. Backed by new owners PIF, they have already signed Kieran Trippier. Others, such as Diego Carlos, are also in their sights. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by Cambridge this weekend, much to the disappointment of Eddie Howe and the owners.

TBR’s View: Cantwell On His Way To Newcastle? It Looks That Way

While other clubs, such as Villa and Leeds, are keen on Cantwell, it looks like Newcastle might be the ones to win the battle. They can easily put the money up, and they need players in quickly.

Cantwell can be a success in the northeast too. He is a good midfielder who has probably gone a tad stale at Carrow Road. Last season, he showed just how good he can be at the top level.

With the likes of Callum Wilson out injured, Newcastle need to add goals to the team. Todd Cantwell can bring that from midfield, and at £15-20m, is a bit of a bargain too.