OPINION
Newcastle United need to kick into gear now the summer transfer window is open and wrapping up a few early deals will really encourage supporters ahead of the 2018/19 season.
The Magpies need to secure the future of manager Rafael Benitez and begin roaming the transfer market for potential targets.
One man that should crop up on their radar is defender Joel Ward, who will see his six-year stay at Crystal Palace end this summer when his contract expires.
The 28-year-old right-back has 163 Premier League appearances under his belt and is exactly the type of signing that would bolster Benitez’s squad.
There is the added bonus that he will be available on a free transfer and the Englishman has the know-how to make an immediate impact at St James’ Park.
Ward is a right-sided flyer that loves to bomb forward from right-back, but also has a strong defensive side to his game too.
He has the versatility to fill in anywhere across the backline if required and that would be a major boost for the Magpies.
Newcastle have to look to bring in a new right-back for next year, mainly to provide DeAndre Yedlin with some serious competition for a spot in the starting XI.
Yedlin has been a mainstay in Benitez’s side throughout the majority of the campaign and played his part well in helping the stay in the Premier League.
However, the speed demon is guilty of being too complacent at times with very little competition behind him and having a strong squad normally brings the best out in everybody.
