Newcastle United have placed Schalke centre back Joel Matip at the top of their wish-list, according to Bild.
Graham Carr and his team have been monitoring Matip for the past few weeks and, following the appointment of Steve McClaren as head coach, they have decided to make him their priority signing this summer.
The 23-year-old has established himself as a regular at Schalke, making 25 appearances last season, and would command a fee in the region of €14million.
McClaren has identified Newcastle’s leaky defence as the area that needs most work, as only relegated Queens Park Rangers (73) conceded more than the Magpies (63) last season.
As part of the overhaul in defence, Mike Williamson is expected to depart from St James’ Park this summer, with Leeds United reportedly lining up a move for the 31-year-old.
Williamson arrived on Tyneside in January 2010, in a £2million move from Portsmouth, and has made 169 appearances for Newcastle since.
However, he has often been criticised by the Geordie faithful for not being up to the standard of the Premier League and for his careless long balls up front.
Meanwhile, Steven Taylor insists he intends to remain on Tyneside and fight for his place in the first-team, after spending a lengthy spell sidelined last season.
“Looking forward to working under Steve McClaren – exciting times ahead,” Taylor posted on Facebook.
