Newcastle have actually been trying to replace 31-year-old player in their starting XI

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With just a few days remaining before the transfer window closes, it is hugely surprising that the only centre-back who Newcastle United have signed is an 18-year-old kid from Ireland.

Earlier in the year, it looked incredibly likely that the club would bring in a right-sided centre-back when the transfer window opened.

That was the plan, but the reality has been rather different. Newcastle have made four senior signings, with Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall joining the Magpies.

There have also been youth additions, with the likes of Cathal Heffernan arriving. As it stands, he is the only centre-back to join the club this summer, and he is nowhere near ready to be competing for a place in Eddie Howe’s Premier League starting XI.

Instead, it looks like Howe will have to go with the centre-backs that he already has, but it is not for the lack of trying.

Newcastle unable to sign Fabian Schar replacement

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle have been looking to sign a replacement for Fabian Schar this summer. However, the report adds that the players they have looked at either do not have enough experience or are too expensive.

This led to Newcastle improving their squad in other positions, meaning that Schar will not be replaced for now.

There is no desperate need to replace the 31-year-old. He has been exceptional under Howe, who the Telegraph state loves Schar because of his ability on the ball.

But he is far from the perfect defender, and will need to be replaced in the coming years. The plan was to do it this summer, but that has not happened as of yet.

And with just a few days remaining, it would be a real shock if a new centre-back arrives at St James’ Park.