Report: Crystal Palace want to sign Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark

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Crystal Palace are interested in signing £5 million-rated Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark, according to The Sun.

The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park and could leave during the transfer window.

A season-long loan is also an option for Roy Hodgson who must decide what sort of deal to propose to Newcastle.

Clark played just 14 games in all competitions last season, falling behind Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar in the pecking order.

At 29, he will surely relish the chance to play and Hodgson looks like being able to hand him that opportunity.

The no-nonsense defender has 32 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Palace have lost Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United this summer and defensive reinforcements are required.

Clark is a proven Premier League performer, following his time at Aston Villa where he made 159 appearances.

TBR Verdict

After losing Wan-Bissaka and with Wilfried Zaha likely to leave, Clark isn’t really the stellar signing Palace crave.

Hodgson needs players and he needs them quickly.

Throughout his career, Clark has proved an honest professional and that will be a useful attribute.

Having not played much football last season he will have a point to prove but Hodgson will need to get him quickly up to speed.

At £5 million he might not be a bad signing for the Eagles. He will add competition to an area that looks short of cover; whilst his influence on the club’s younger players could be useful.

Clark isn’t a stellar signing, and Hodgson knows he must land one or two sizeable names during the window.