10 Centre-Backs Newcastle Must Sign Before The Start Of The Season

9. Ryan Shawcross

Age: 27 Club: Stoke City Nationality: English Estimated Market Value: £12 million League Apps (2014-15): 32 Ryan Shawcross is a traditional Premier League central-defender and, with seven years' worth of top-flight experience behind him, he would be a very reliable purchase for Newcastle United. The 27-year-old played 32 times last season and scored two goals and has been one of the main reasons behind Stoke City's continuous progress in England's top flight. Shawcross is a fantastic ball winner and tackler but also possesses great concentration and positional skills and would go straight into the Magpies' first team. His leadership skills are a key strength that Steve McClaren will need as Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson potentially move on to pastures new.