The Rumour Mill – Nicolas Isimat-Mirin

Ever since promotion, the only recognized and specialized defender to have walked through the doors of St. James’s park has been Davide Santon.

And it’s an open secret that Newcastle United are short on defenders, especially the center backs. In fact if you asked any of many Newcastle’s supporters what the club needs to bring in the majority will say a central defender.

If you believe some of the press in England then this search for a center half has taken them to France, Northern France in Particular and the player in question is Valenciennes FC’s Center back Nicolas Isimat – Mirin.

Isimat – Mirin, who we cited as a possible target a few weeks ago, is 21 year-old Valenciennes 6’2″ center back who joined Valenciennes youth academy from Stade Rennais in the summer of 2008 after having spent his formative years at the much renowned Clairefontaine academy.

He made his debut in a Coupe de la Ligue match against Nîmes Olympique appearing as a substitute and has so far played 66 times for the team known as Barcelona of Northern France, scoring 1 goal in the process.

Isimat – Mirin is renowned for his aerial ability and that is what Newcastle need with Williamson still yet to convince many of the faithful, Steven Taylor injury prone and James Perch more suited in midfield or in either full back area.

He is a little weak in his passing and tackling, but at 21 there is plenty of scope for improvement. However, overall he would be a good partner for club captain and first choice center back Fabricio Coloccini who is a superb reader of the game.

The news is that that Isimat – Mirin could be available for a price of around £3m with Valenciennes having some financial difficulties. This is a really reasonable price for some one like Isimat – Mirin who is contracted up to 2014 and has represented France at various youth levels.

With Newcastle struggling defensively and given the fact that we have very few central defenders at our disposal we would really appreciate if some one like him was brought in through the doors at Newcastle. His profile is ideal and he would fit the bill perfectly at Newcastle.

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