Newcastle could turn to 33-year-old free agent to plug defensive gap until January - opinion

After Newcastle United failed to sign Marc Guehi in the final days of the summer transfer window it left a gap in defence that is yet to be filled.

So far this season we've played more games with a right-back in central defence than we have an actual centre-back due to Fabian Schar's contentious red card during the opening game of the season.

Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles won't be back in action until December at the earliest, which means any injury to Schar will once again leave us short on numbers and having to play Emil Krafth out of position again.

It's a solution, sure, but if anything happens to Krafth too, we are up the creek.

Liverpool FC

Joel Matip on a short-term deal, anyone?

Therefore the question was asked in a NUFC Whatsapp group last night, could we offer a short-term deal to former Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip until January?

And you know what? I've heard worse ideas. He doesn't have to come in as a starter, and as long as he's made aware of that upfront it shouldn't be an issue.

Yes, he's 33 years old, but he could still do a job for us, especially if it's only until January when we can go out and try again to land a centre-back who fits the bill also we'll welcome back Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman.

Joel Matip knows the Premier League well

The German-born Cameroon international played over 200 games for Liverpool so it's not like he doesn't know the Premier League.

On a short-term deal, this looks like a no-brainer, the issue could be his wages, however. He may still demand a hefty wage even if his role is to just warm the bench for a few months.

If not, 38-year-old 180-times-capped Spain international Sergio Ramos is without a club.