Newcastle linked with Germany defender – Taylor/Coloccini under threat?

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The Magpies are reportedly interested in Bayer Leverkusen’s Philipp Wollscheid.

But what does that mean for Newcastle United centre-backs Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor?

The Germany defender, who signed for Leverkusen for €8million in 2011, is available on loan with a view to a permanent move this summer, after the club confirmed their willingness to let him go.

And, according to Sky Sports, the Magpies are one of several interested parties.

Wollscheid himself said: “I believe the club have discussed a permanent transfer but also a loan option for me at present.

“Outside of Germany, the main interest seems to be coming from the English Premier League, but I don’t know yet. We will have to wait and see.”

Could Coloccini and Taylor, then, be under threat from the increased competition?

Wollscheid is a towering centre-back by trade and, as Opta stats show, Newcastle’s main central defenders were far from the most effective pairing in the Premier League last season.

Taylor’s playing time was restricted by injury but Coloccini was present for 27 games of the Magpies’ campaign.

They already face pressure from the likes of Mike Williamson and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, while the pair have struggled at times during pre-season friendlies.

As such, Wollscheid could certainly challenge for a place in Alan Pardew’s first team were he to sign for the Magpies – but which one of the two would he replace?