Three central defenders that Newcastle United should sign in January 2022 to stay in the Premier League

Newcastle United have already had a busy start to their first transfer window under the watchful eye of new cash-rich Saudi owners - and a central defender is said to be the main priority currently.

Eddie Howe has already welcomed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood through the door at St James’ Park, but the buck does not stop there as he strives to fix their leaky defence with another defensive addition.

The Magpies are currently languishing in the relegation places and have conceded the second most goals in the English top-flight with 42 so far this season.

There is an obvious lack of quality in the Newcastle United backline as the likes of Ciaran Clarke and Jamaal Lascelles have endured difficult campaigns.

With money now no longer a barrier, it begs the question who are some realistic central defenders that could come into the team in January to help fight for Newcastle’s Premier League status?

James Tarkowski - Burnley, 29 y/o, £19.8 million* or FREE in July

In what would be both the safest and probably most difficult signing to make, the addition of James Tarkowski would kill two birds with one stone.

Not only would they significantly strengthen their defence with a proven Premier League centre-back, but they would once again directly weaken a relegation rival.

Continuing the raid of Burnley, the addition of the tough tackling 29-year-old will bring further defensive stability to Newcastle United’s backline.

Tarkowski is a proven leader too and should not cost too much as he could be signed on a free transfer in July, as the Englishman has six-months left on his contract.

But as Eddie Howe’s men are currently in a state of desperation with Championship football on the horizon, they will need him to sign now and Burnley could prove difficult to negotiate with.

*Transfer value via TransferMarkt

Diego Carlos - Sevilla, 28 y/o, £40.5 million*

Sevilla’s reliable centre-half Diego Carlos would be just the marquee signing that could fix Newcastle United’s defensive woes.

The Brazilian would prove quite expensive, however, with the 28-year-old valued at around the £40 million mark despite having a £67 million release clause which expires in 2024.

Newcastle United are reportedly locked in talks with the Spanish club over his signature, with boss Julien Lopotegui hesitant to part with the Europa League winner.

Carlos’ main attributes include being great with the ball at his feet, fairly quick and a proven intelligence with his reading of the game.

*Transfer value via TransferMarkt

Sven Botman - LOSC Lille, 22 y/o, £27 million*

One of the transfer sagas of the January window is still up in the air - but what a signing Sven Botman to Newcastle United could be!

The Dutch defender has been mightily impressive in France and was one of the main cornerstones of the LOSC Lille side that lifted the league title last season.

The 22-year-old boasts a hefty price tag as the French champions want the Magpies to break their transfer record to acquire his services, with fees of around €55 million (£46 million) touted.

Botman would act as both a short and long-term solution to Newcastle United’s defensive fragility due to the masses of potential he possesses.

Some of his main attributes include his ability in the air, passing and his intelligence at reading defensive situations.

*Transfer value via TransferMarkt