Paul Robinson says Newcastle should only sign ‘phenomenal talent’

Newcastle United’s defensive record has left a lot to be desired this season, with the Magpies sitting are 17th in the Premier League for goals conceded (49) and joint-17th for clean sheets (4).

Federico Fernandez has been short of playing time under Eddie Howe, so he could be on the move this summer. Ciaran Clark was dropped from Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad, so he’s also expected to leave in the coming months.

That may leave a void for a new signing to fill, and Paul Robinson believes Eddie Howe should only target a ‘phenomenal talent’ when bolstering his backline over the summer.

Newcastle tried to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla and Sven Botman from LOSC Lille in January without success and have since been linked with Everton’s Ben Godfrey and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez.

Robinson suggests they should aim high, telling Football Insider: “There is talent in the Championship and there are gems to be had but I think Newcastle should be shopping Europe’s top leagues.

“Money is not a problem for them so why should in the Championship unless it’s for a phenomenal talent. Newcastle want to be competing for the best players in Europe.”

Dan Burn has looked a brilliant acquisition from Brighton & Hove Albion, so Newcastle won’t be put off making a domestic signing. Jamaal Lascelles was a gem from the Championship years ago, but he has an uncertain future at St James Park now.

Newcastle have lucrative funds at their disposal and want to make signings that make statements, so they’re likely to aim very high in the summer transfer window.

In other news, Paul Robinson says ‘poor’ Jamaal Lascelles is ‘not good enough’