Newcastle Transfers: 6 Players That Could Replace Mathieu Debuchy

2. Phil Bardsley

Unthinkable perhaps but entirely possible given the economical nature of Ashley's transfer policy at St James' and Bardsley's soon-to-be status as football's equivalent of a newly-single bachelor. It's expected that the 28-year-old will leave Sunderland on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer and his new employers could be just 15 miles down the road. Just the mere thought of Bardsley pulling on a black and white shirt is a spine-chilling prospect for every Toon fan but if the club are seeking a cheap imitation of Debuchy then the former Manchester United is the glove that fits. This is all speculative, of course, but we wouldn't put it past the club to pull off this kind of deal in spite of the wedge it would further drive between supporter and club. It's a shame, really, that Bardsley's allegiances would render him a fly in our collective soup at St James' because he's a player that wears his heart on his sleeve for the club he represents. The kind of passion and commitment that has been missing from the current Newcastle side in 2014.