Report: Newcastle United want Sheffield United defender

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The Daily Mail have claimed that Sheffield United defender Chris Basham has emerged as a target for both Newcastle United and Burnley this summer, after the experienced ace entered the final 12 months of his contract.

The transfer window will open on July 27 and Newcastle are still yet to conclude a takeover, as they await Premier League approval to finally oust Mike Ashley and bring in Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium.

But given the takeover is yet to be ratified, the club have been forced to press on with identifying targets. Basham is the latest to be linked with Newcastle, with Sheffield United yet to renew the former Blackpool star’s contract.

He has played every single Premier League match for Chris Wilder’s excellent Blades, helping them remain within contention for European football – and keeping 13 clean sheets. He is the defensive heartbeat of Sheffield United.

Newcastle are not alone in their pursuit of Basham, though. Burnley are also said to be interested in the experienced defender, who may be allowed to leave on a cut-price figure due to his current contract situation.

TBR’s view – Is Basham the kind of quality Newcastle need?

The Toon are well stocked in defence. Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark are all proven Premier League centre-backs – but the latter two could depart.

That is because they have spent more time receiving treatment than actually playing. Indeed, Lejeune has endured multiple different injuries since joining the club during Rafa Benitez’s era.

If Newcastle are thinking about offloading Lejeune and Clark, then Basham would be an excellent addition.