Newcastle chasing signatures of defensive quartet
Reports are suggesting that Newcastle are looking to sign a centre-back before the transfer window is through with four names being mentioned as particular favourites for the role.
Adrian Mariappa, James Collins and the Blackburn pair of Christopher Samba and Grant Hanley have all been targeted by the Magpies, who are looking to fill a defensive void left vacant by the season-long injury of Steven Taylor.
Taylor suffered a serious Achilles injury against Chelsea in early December and due to the back four playing such a large part in Newcastle’s magnificent start to the season, Alan Pardew will move for reinforcements.
Samba is understood to have handed in a transfer request at Ewood Park following the side’s disappointing start to the campaign.
Despite the news that the Lancashire outfit have rejected the request, clubs are maintaining interest in the Congolese international in the hopes that low morale at Rovers will succeed after persistent enquiries.
Grant Hanley is another stopper who would be understandably frustrated with his club’s start to the term and while he may not pose such a massive presence as his teammate Samba, the Scottish international defender is a very promising talent.
The 20 year-old has made 12 Premier League appearances under Steve Kean this season and could also be tempted away from the predicament at Ewood Park despite having three years left to run on his contract.
Another possible purchase for the club is James Collins, who continues to be linked with a move away from Villa park and could be available for a fee of £4m.
The Welsh international is attracting heavy interest from Sunderland also and should Alan Pardew seal his signature, it could provide a subtle victory for Newcastle over their bitter rivals.
The last possible signature is Adrian Mariappa who, despite having the least Premier League experience, seems to be the most likely player to come to the Sports Direct Arena.
Sources suggest that a £3m bid has been accepted by Watford and that the 25 year-old will be a Magpie by next week.
Mike Ashley has already flexed his financial muscle this season by signing Senegal forward Papiss Demba Cisse, and is hoping to sign another player before February in what is arguably an area of the pitch that’s in more immediate need of attention.
