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

4. Nicolas Otamendi

Age: 28 Club: Valencia Nationality: Argentine Estimated Market Value: £25 million-£35 million League Apps (2014-15): 40 Yes, this is a bit of a wild one - fantasy land even - but Otamendi (who is widely expected to sign for Manchester United at some point in the future) was loosely linked with Newcastle United earlier this week. Nicolas Otamendi is a sublime central-defender and one that can operate at a world-class level. He played 40 games for Valencia last season and scored six goals, making him one of Europe's top transfer targets this summer. If the Magpies could somehow place an offer that would in any small way reflect Valencia's asking price then the Argentine would prove that Mike Ashley really does have huge ambitions for the future of Newcastle United Football Club. And, what's more, Newcastle would - for the first time in years - have an extremely gifted defender in their ranks.