Newcastle Transfers: 7 Centre-Backs Pardew Must Consider Signing

5. Ashley Williams

Current Club: Swansea City Though Swansea struggled at times last year, the ability of defensive stalwart was never in doubt, which is precisely why he has caught the attention of some of the so-called bigger clubs. The value of Williams to the team would not just be his defensive ability: the Welshman was among the best passers in the league last year, and most importantly he was the highest and most successful passing defender of all. That would suggest that his signing would help address the niggling concern that Newcastle remain something of a long-ball team. With him building slowly from the back, seeking out Colback, Tiote or Anita and allowing them to play from there, rather than hoofing a long ball at a target man who doesn't exist, Newcastle could play some far better football. The Concerns His age and comparative affordability. Williams has been linked to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool recently, but neither move has become concrete, and the fee suggested in those links was around the £12m mark. For a 29-year-old that might be too steep, though he could remain at the heart of the defence for a few years with Lascelles and Yanga-Mbiwa his understudies (provided the latter stays). There's also the issue that Williams would like to play in the Champions League.