4. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa
Pronunciation: Ma-poo Yanga Mm-bee-wa Position: Centre Back Former Club: Montpellier Age: 23 Fee: £6.7 million
What to expect: A ball-playing centre back, not afraid to dribble with it and get involved going forward. What he lacks in height he makes up for in intelligence and ability to read the game. Mbiwa is also very versatile, able to play all across the defense or even as a defensive midfielder should the situation arise. At only 23 hes also shown terrific leadership capabilities captaining Montpellier to the Ligue 1 title last season.
First team: Should usurp Mike Williamson almost instantly and expect him to start against Aston Villa on Tuesday. Upon Steven Taylors return from injury (and should Newcastle manage to keep a hold of Fabricio Collocini) the starting defense will be down to form and opposition. Mbiwa has just started to break into the France squad and should be a centre back for the national team for the coming years. http://youtu.be/qVi4N5Cunnc