Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is reported to be Newcastle United’s top summer target – and signing Swansea City’s Kyle Bartley may speed up a deal.
There may be some truth in reports linking Ryan Shawcross with the Stoke City exit after all. The long-serving captain, an almost ever-present in their nine seasons in the Premier League only has another year left on his contract and speculation is growing that his place at the heart of The Potters backline may be coming to an end.
The Independent claimed last week that Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez wants more Premier League experience in his side and has identified Shawcross, who has played 326 top tier games, as the ideal candidate.
He would certainly offer a greater degree of solidity and leadership to a backline far too easily breached in recent months.
And it appears that Stoke may have already sounded out a potential replacement. The Daily Mirror report that Mark Hughes’ side are planning to make a move for Kyle Bartley in the summer, a defender with a stature and skill-set similar to their skipper.
Bartley has stood out on loan for Leeds United this season and, with just a year left on his Swansea City contract, it would be no surprise if he completed a permanent departure in the summer.
And if Stoke proves to be his destination, this will surely give Newcastle hope that Shawcross can indeed be lured from the Bet365 Stadium.
The arrival of the one-cap England international would surely be a step in the right direction as Benitez aims to prepare The Magpies for their Premier League return.
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