OPINION
Newcastle United are reportedly keen on a move for Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson and they should step up interest to bring him to St James’ Park.
The Chronicle reports that the 24-year-old is on Rafael Benitez’s wishlist if the club back him financially in the summer transfer window, something that supporters are eager to here some news on.
The Magpies should prioritise bringing in the ball-playing centre-back, who was one of the shining lights as the Swans were relegated from the Premier League this season.
Statistics website Spotrac claims that Mawson has a £25,000-a-week contract with Swansea and his current deal with them expires in 2020.
Newcastle’s defence was one of their stronger points this campaign that helped them secure top-flight survival, but they will have to keep improving over the summer to remain competitive.
Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune successfully formed the centre-back partnership in the second half of the campaign, but Mawson could put real pressure on both for a starting XI berth.
The Swans ace is a modern-day defender that is extremely composed in possession and at his age still has a huge future ahead of him.
It would be an absolute masterstroke if Benitez were to sign the Swansea talisman, with a Mawson-Lascelles combination surely a future England pairing in years to come.
The 6ft 2in powerhouse is a huge aerial presence in both penalty boxes and his arrival would be an excellent way to start the summer window.
