Newcastle Transfers: 5 Deals Pardew Must Make To Avoid Relegation

4. Douglas

Keeping on the theme of defensive issues, a centre half seems to be a must. Douglas was constantly linked with Newcastle in the summer but the deal never happened. Now though the man who recently earned a call up to the Dutch national squad has only six months left on his contract and current club Twente are likely to want to cash in. Centre back seems to be a key area in need of reinforcement. Newcastle only have three recognised players for this area in captain Colocinni, Mike Williamson and the injured Steven Taylor. This leaves them very short at the back, with Taylor very injury prone this often leaves Newcastle with just two specialised centre halfs and players like James Perch need to fill in and often not very effectively out of position. Douglas could be key then, with Williamson often looking shaky Newcastle need a centre back to come in and help out. Douglas seems to fit the bill. He will be available cheap and has a reasonable goal scoring record for a centre back so can help Newcastle up at the other end but most importantly he is a cultured centre back who can play it out but isn't afraid of the physical side of the game and really help improve Newcastle's defensive woes.