Newcastle Defender Targeted By FIVE Clubs

Is Mike Williamson's time on Tyneside finally coming to an end?

Newcastle United centre-back Mike Williamson's time on Tyneside could be finally coming to as end, with the defender attracting interest from a whole host of Premier League and Championship clubs, according to reports. HITC Sport claims that Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Hull City are among the suitors for the 31-year-old defender. Chancel Mbemba has agreed to join the Magpies in an £8 million deal - subject to being granted a work permit - and Williamson has been told he can leave Tyneside this summer. Palace boss Alan Pardew has already been heavily linked with a move for his former Magpies captain Fabricio Coloccini this summer, and now this report suggests he will look to be reunited with Williamson in south London as well. Williamson has one year remaining on his St James' Park deal and many Newcastle fans would be keen to see the centre-back leave due to his often lacklustre defensive displays. After starting his career at Torquay United, Williamson moved to Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers and Watford before joining Portsmouth during the summer of 2009. However, after failing to make an appearance at the south coast outfit, Newcastle signed the 6ft 4in centre-back in January 2010. Williamson immediately helped the Magpies secure promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship at the first time of asking, and he has scored once in 169 appearances for Newcastle in all. It seems it's finally time for Newcastle to upgrade their centre-backs - they have the same pairing who turned out regularly in the Championship five years ago - and Williamson's possible departure could be a springboard towards that. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
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Contributor

NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.