Name: Joel Matip
Position: Centre-Back
Club: FC Schalke
Joel Matip tackles Jean Philippe Mendy of Maribor in 2014.
A mixed start for the Magpies boss Steve McClaren, but his team may have come to life in recent weeks with two strong victories over top four chasers, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Problems for Newcastle however, will be the lack of strength and depth amongst the back four, which was highlighted over the summer and still not seen too. With a joint-worst defence record in the league alerting the problem further, surely the Toon will have to buy a defender who can improve the side.
Schalke’s 24-year-old defender Joel Matip may be an ambitious swoop, but with Mike Ashley changing his transfer plan and buying quality for larger sums of, money it certainly is do-able. Matip would add to a team which is desperate for a leader, but the versatile centre-back can play in midfield and would give the Geordies more options.
