OPINION
Newcastle United are in need of a solid central defender to reinforce their defensive unit ahead of the next season and Ben Mee should be top of their list.
According to the Mirror live transfer blog (12:57pm) Burnley are hoping to reach an agreement with Mee over a new contract, as his current deal expires at the end of next season, as they look to avoid cashing-in on their important defender.
However, Newcastle should give them no choice but to cash-in. Rafael Benitez should make an offer to Burnley that they can’t refuse, which shouldn’t be too much as he’s only got 12 months left on his current deal.
The 28-year-old has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League since Sean Dyche’s side were promoted in 2016. He combines old-school defensive clearances, blocks and tackles with composure on the ball, which you wouldn’t exactly expect from a Burnley central defender.
However, they proved last year that they weren’t just workmanlike in their approach, they could play the ball around a bit too, and the former-Manchester City defender played a big part when playing out from the back.
He’s also a real leader, he organises the defence and demands that players perform at his level. He even took on the captain’s armband for most of last season after an injury to normal club captain Tom Heaton.
Newcastle are crying out for someone like Mee, who can command the club’s defensive unit and bring experience to the team. He can also play at left-back if needed, such is his flexibility.
Rafael Benitez should get in touch with Sean Dyche as soon as possible because Mee won’t be in this contract situation for much longer.
He would be a great signing and the Spaniard needs to move quickly if he wants to secure the defender’s signature.
