Regardless of what Newcastle manager Alan Pardew might suggest about his team's focus on bringing in a centre-forward as principle priority, the Magpies are in dire need of a new centre-half. The pre-season might have offered some good hints of what Newcastle's new signings might offer, particularly in midfield, but there were also some worrying defensive moments that suggest that Newcastle need to add to their 9 summer signings to bolster the back-line. Steven Taylor continues to prove that he has not got the nous to defend - particularly as last man where he gets poorly dragged out of position and doesn't seem able to play offside - Coloccini's legs are beginning to lag and Mike Williamson is no more than solid. Meanwhile Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa doesn't seem to be getting a chance in his preferred position, and it might well be he who moves on to make way for a new centre-back. So, if Pardew is to do business before August 31st ends, he seriously needs to consider affordable talented options like the following...
