Newcastle Transfers: 10 Centre-Backs Magpies Must Sign

5. Alessio Romagnoli

Age: 20 Club: Roma (on loan at Sampdoria) Nationality: Italian Estimated market value: £6.5 million Club Appearances (Current, League): 27 (Sampdoria) International Caps: 0 A left-footed centre-back who is assured on the ball, technically sound and elegant in possession - Alessio Romagnoli is essentially the antithesis of Mike Williamson... The 6ft 2in defender is versatile, meaning he can also fill in at left-back, and even though he is just 20 he has enjoyed a magnificent season on loan at Sampdoria from Roma - featuring 27 times in the league. Romagnoli has also won four Italy Under-21 caps and is likely to receive a call-up to the full international squad soon - due to his physicality, strength and athleticism. It would be brilliant to see Newcastle finally decide on a philosophy that encourages their defenders to play the ball on the deck - rather than revert to Mike Williamson "hoof ball" - and a bid of £6 million-plus could tempt Roma into selling, although in reality they may need to part with far more than that.