According to the Chronicle, Ciaran Clark could possibly leave Newcastle United this summer.
The defender has been an important player for the Magpies this season, making 22 appearances in the Premier League.
However, the Chronicle claim teams from the Premier League and the Championship are keeping an eye on him.
Newcastle are looking to add another defender to the squad, with Kristoffer Ajer appearing to be the number one target. The Daily Record claim Newcastle want to sign the Celtic centre-back for £8million.
Ajer’s arrival would be a welcome one. Newcastle have plenty of options at centre-back, but the majority of them are close to or over 30.
23-year-old Ajer would add some youth to a backline that has chopped and changed all season.
But would selling Clark be wise?
The 31-year-old has been incredibly reliable since arriving in 2016 from Aston Villa.
He recently signed a new deal with club in January, keeping him at St James’ Park until 2023.
When the deal was announced, Steve Bruce was full of praise for Clark.
“First and foremost, he is a very talented defender and he gives us great balance as a naturally left-footed centre-half,” Bruce told the club’s official website.
“He has also become a very consistent performer and I’m pleased to see his hard work and commitment rewarded.”
Four months later, and the Chronicle believe he could be let go.
If Ajer arrives, Newcastle will have seven centre-backs at the club when pre-season starts. The Chronicle claim Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar will have their contracts extended, while Florian Lejeune will return from his loan spell.
That is far too many, so one or two will likely have to leave.
Clark has been a great player in recent years, despite often being in and out of the team.
But if there is interest in his services, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him go.
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