Having watched their side struggle to defend against Crystal Palace yesterday, there is some good news for Newcastle fans this morning, as Graeme Bailey is linking the club with an eye-catching defensive deal. The last time Newcastle signed a Belgian defender the result was Philippe Albert, the supremely classy defender who most fans count as the greatest ever in the club's Premier League, and they will hope that the mooted move for Toby Alderweireld yields similar results. The 25-year-old's game time was limited last season, but Bailey states that Pardew is ready to make him first choice at centre-half, as Newcastle are the most likely to win the race to sign him from Atletico Madrid. He only joined them last summer, but completed only 10 games, and has been linked with moved away already this summer. Rivals Sunderland had been most recently linked, but the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton had all also been suggested as possible destinations. But the key for Newcastle is the presence of former Ajax team-mates Siem de Jong and Vurnon Anita, who have turned his sights to Tyneside. The deal - which Alan Pardew seemingly confirmed in his usual round about way after the game - would involve an initial loan, with the option to make the move permanent next summer. It's likely now that French defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa will leave to make way, with Roma the most likely destination. If Newcastle can pull this move off, it will be a strong one, considering a centre-half has been on most fans' wish list for most of the summer. If they can just solve their attacking woes, it will still have been a very good summer, despite a fairly muted start to the season. Would you be happy with the Alderweireld signing? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
