Top 5: Summer Transfer Targets

5. Keeping Demba Ba

Though he isn’t a transfer target per se, Newcastle’s number one priority this summer has to be to keep a hold of Demba Ba.

The Senegalese forward is rumoured to have a £7 million release clause, and is currently in discussions with the club over a new contract that will remove or increase the clause.

Ba’s goals last season before the arrival of fellow countryman Papiss Cisse were invaluable, and the Magpies can’t afford to let him go ahead of next season’s all-important campaign.

4. Nathaniel Clyne

Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne is one of England’s most promising defenders, and Newcastle would be wise to try and pick him up before he really breaks onto the scene.

Clyne won’t be a starter straight away if signed, but he has enough talent to be worth signing regardless.

Interest from other Premier League clubs is heating up, andNewcastleneed to get in on the act before his transfer value rises beyond the realms of Mike Ashley’s budget.

3. Douglas

Though Steven Taylor is slated to return in time for the start of next season, Newcastle need to take the safe route and invest in another centre-back.

Tayloris simply too injury-prone to rely on, and besides, Douglas may soon be an even better player.

At 6’4” and growing, Douglas is what can only be described as a defensive “monster”, who could cause a lot of trouble for the Premier League’s more finesse strikers, as well as holding his own against the more physical ones.

2. Luuk de Jong

Rumours of Newcastle’s sudden interest in Dutch striker Luuk de Jong came as a surprise to most, but thinking about it, it’s essential for Newcastleto pick up a quality third striker.

When the African Nations come back around in early 2013, Newcastle will be without both Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, and as well as Shola Ameobi played last season, he really doesn’t have the goal-scoring touch to keep Newcastle competitive in their absence.

De Jong’s 25 goals in 24 Eredivisie games last season show that he does have the quality to cover for Newcastle’s star frontmen, and despite the £9.5 million price tag, he’d be a worthy signing.

1. Mathieu Debuchy

Mathieu Debuchy had been rumoured to be a Newcastle target long before Euro 2012, but now that we’ve seen him play, his arrival is looking more and more imminent.

That said, his transfer stock is rising by the minute, and by the time the European Championships are finished, Newcastlewill be payingLillea lot more than initially expected for his services.

But it would be money well spent, as Debuchy could act as a huge upgrade over Danny Simpson, that will really shore up this defence, making it one of the better back fours in the Premier League.

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