Newcastle are targeting a move for Stoke centre back Ryan Shawcross, according to the Independent.
The 29 year old has been at the Potters since 2007 and has made 376 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League club. Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly keen on strengthening the centre of defence and wants Premier League experience to compliment the centre halves already in the Newcastle squad.
The Independent report that Shawcross’s contract situation is giving Magpies’ encouragement that they could land the Stoke captain. The defender has just one year left on his contract but he has yet to be offered a new deal.
Shawcross has started 29 out of 32 Premier League games this campaign, only missing out in the matches against Watford, Burnley and Arsenal late last year due to a calf injury.
The Chronicle have reported that Benitez is targeting summer additions to strengthen the spine of the team for next season, and Shawcross would certainly be a plausible target.
