Newcastle United have recently been linked with a move for Kyle Bartley.
According to a report from The Telegraph earlier this month, the Magpies are keen on the 29-year-old West Bromwich Albion defender.
It was claimed he is being monitored by Newcastle, although one wonders if a pursuit will be launched if the club retains its Premier League status, which is looking much more likely now.
Bartley is out of contract at the end of the season, which is likely part of the lure.
But the feeling among many is that Newcastle should be aiming higher.
And his performance against Aston Villa last night was a suggestion Newcastle really ought to be looking elsewhere.
The former Arsenal youngster was involved in an awful mix up with goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, with their lack of decisiveness allowing Keinan Davis to steal in and equalise for the hosts.
The action effectively cost West Brom two points, and almost certainly means the Baggies are heading back to the Championship.
Warning signs are there
He may have had a few strong performances when Sam Allardyce first took over at the Hawthorns, but realistically £14,000-a-week player Bartley (Spotrac) would not be a good signing for Newcastle.
Even if he’d be coming in as a free agent, he’s the wrong kind of profile anyway.
Newcastle need to be showing more ambition and signing someone in their mid-twenties and preferably with experience of playing in a European top five league and at international level.
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