"I could see that happening" - Keith Downie now makes fresh centre-back claim at Newcastle

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie thinks Newcastle could look to bring in a centre-back from a top six club on loan before the January transfer window closes.

Eddie Howe's side have signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood in January but they are yet to add a central defender to their squad.

The Magpies have been linked with a number of centre-backs this month, including Sevilla's Diego Carlos and Monaco's Benoit Badiashile.

Brighton duo Adam Webster and Dan Burn have also been touted as potential options, but none of these names have signed on the dotted line at this stage.

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Tottenham defender Joe Rodon has been mentioned as a target for Newcastle this month. With the North-East club struggling to make progress in their pursuit of other players to bolster their backline, Downie has claimed that the Premier League outfit could try to sign the Welshman or another top six defender on a temporary basis.

Speaking initially about the chances of Newcastle landing Rodon, Downie told GIVEMESPORT: “That’s potential, that one, or a player of that ilk to come in on loan at the one of the top sides in the league, who maybe have a player who’s out of favour. I could see that happening.”

If Newcastle do opt to go down the route of signing a top six defender on loan, they could have their pick of a few centre-backs who are currently struggling for minutes at their respective clubs.

Rob Holding has previously been linked with a move to Tyneside, and with Ben White and Gabriel established as Arsenal's first-choice defensive pairing, there may be an opportunity for Newcastle to entice Holding away from the Emirates.

Manchester United's Eric Bailly could be another