Report: Newcastle will only sell Ciaran Clark if replacement’s signed

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Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark is reportedly on West Bromwich Albion’s radar heading into January

According to a report from the Northern Echo, Newcastle will not consider selling West Brom target Ciaran Clark unless Rafa Benitez manages to get a replacement in beforehand.

The Northern Echo reports that Clark finds himself on the Baggies’ radar as Darren Moore looks to bolster his defensive ranks at The Hawthorns.

West Brom are the top goalscorers in the Championship, but have only managed to keep one clean sheet in the league – and it appears that Clark is a player that Moore believes will improve his options significantly.

Clark has featured regularly for Benitez’s side this term, but the Baggies may have perhaps taken some encouragement from the fact that he has been involved a lot less when the Newcastle boss has all of his defensive options available.

However, the Northern Echo suggests that Benitez has little desire to move Clark on so it will take the Magpies managing to sign a replacement for the Republic of Ireland international beforehand before they consider a sale.

Clark has hardly disgraced himself with his performances this season – despite some fans clearly having their concerns – so it would probably be a surprise if Benitez had his eye on a replacement anyway.

But if the right option emerges next month and West Brom are readying a tempting offer for the 29-year-old – who cost £5 million in 2016 (via BBC Sport) – then perhaps Benitez could be willing to consider what the best move is for Newcastle.