Newcastle Transfers: 10 Players Magpies Could Sign In January

9. Joel Matip

Current Club: Schalke 04 Estimated Cost In January: £9.8 Million Age: 24 Position: Centre Back Newcastle United were heavily linked with Schalke's Joel Matip this summer and made enquires over the player's availability towards the end of June. One thing is for certain, the Cameroonian centre-back would give Newcastle United a much stronger presence at the back because he is an expert tackler. At 6ft 3in he also has a great aerial advantage and specialises in intercepting on-coming counter attacks. The rumours do seem to have faded a bit since last month and the player but if the Magpies could bring him to Tyneside then they would get a first-class defender with Champions League experience. The defender is yet to sign a new contract with Schalke and his current deal runs out next summer. Matip would be available for a cut down price if Newcastle made a tempting enough offer.