‘Been mentioned to me’: Journalist claims Newcastle could swoop for 37-cap defender Shearer called ‘heroic’

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Newcastle United have brought in a new striker and a new right-back in the January transfer window.

And soon, the Magpies could be getting a new midfielder if they get the Bruno Guimaraes deal over the line.

However, a centre-back continues to elude Newcastle for the time being.

The Magpies’ defence has struggled this season, shipping 43 goals in 21 Premier League games.

Newcastle have been linked with a number of centre-halves over the past few weeks.

The big saga involved Diego Carlos, but getting that over the line now looks slim.

The Athletic has mentioned Dan Burn, Nathaniel Phillips, Joe Rodon and Issa Diop as potential targets.

Earlier this week, the Daily Mail claimed Southampton’s Jan Bednarek is also in Newcastle’s sights.

Now, Keith Downie has also thrown the Poland international’s name in the proverbial Magpies hat.

“Another name that’s been mentioned to me is Bednarek at Southampton,” he told GiveMeSport.

“These sorts of players, because they play in the Premier League, will be attractive to Eddie Howe, because he wants players who have played in the Premier League.”

“Handled everything Manchester City threw at him”

Bednarek wouldn’t be a bad shout for Newcastle.

As Downie said, players with Premier League experience will be crucial to Eddie Howe.

In addition, the 25-year-old also has considerable international experience – 37 caps – and has several trophies on his CV from his time with Lech Poznan.

Earlier this season, Alan Shearer selected Bednarek in his Premier League Team of the Week after he shone against Manchester City.

He told the Premier League website: “The Poland defender handled everything Manchester City threw at him and made some heroic last-ditch blocks.”

However, Bednarek is a fairly regular starter for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his £60,000-a-week contract runs until 2025.

Newcastle might struggle to get this one over the line as Southampton may not have much desire or need to part company with him.

Nonetheless, the 6ft 3in giant be a good signing for the Magpies at this moment in time.