'A bit more': Ben Foster says what Newcastle United need to focus on when finding a new centre-back

A right-sided centre-back remains a huge priority for Newcastle United going into the summer transfer window.

The Magpies tried and failed to land Marc Guehi last summer and subsequently failed to bring in anyone to fill that particular gap in the squad.

Eddie Howe has been fortunate that Fabian Schar has managed to stay fit and available for most of the season, with Emil Krafth able to deputise when needed, but ideally, we need fresh blood at the back going forward.

Newcastle's defence is ageing, and it's becoming very apparent on the pitch as opposition forwards are able to run past our backline with ease if they manage to evade the initial tackle.

Ben Foster says Newcastle need to add pace to their defence

When discussing what Newcastle must look for in a defender on The Football Fill In on Ben Foster's YouTube channel, the former Wrexham keeper hit the nail bang on the head.

"A bit more pace, They need younger, fresher. Dan Burn will always play a role. Fabian Schar will always play a role for that football club.

“They need real exciting… like Huijsen at Bournemouth would be an unreal fit for Newcastle. That ilk of young, up and coming, energy, can play the ball out from the back.”

Newcastle United are looking at Dean Huijsen as an option

Dean Huijsen is one of the options Newcastle are looking at this summer, but his £50 million release clause and strong season at the back for Bournemouth have made him. him a popular target for many clubs, which will certainly complicate matters for the Magpies.

Newcastle are reportedly still keen on Marc Guehi, so we expect to see his name plenty of times this summer along with some other familiar ones such as Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori.

As long as we are able to bring in a top defender whose age doesn't start with a three, we're already winning. We desperately need someone who can keep up with the pace of Premier League forwards. Even 25-year-old Sven Botman struggles as he wasn't blessed with pace in the first place, but now that he has no knees, he's likely to be even slower.