OPINION
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is heading into the new season with uncertainty over who will be his centre-back combination.
The Magpies fans will want the situation cleared up immediately and will know their chances of avoiding relegation next season will be hugely impacted by the performances of the backline.
The Chronicle report that Grant Hanley is set to leave this summer and that Championship club Birmingham are preparing a move.
He is expected to depart St James’ Park after just one year with the club, having made just 16 appearances across all competitions.
That leaves Benitez with four senior centre-backs to choose from in the shape of Jamaal Lascells, Chancel Mbemba, Ciaran Clark and £8.7million summer signing Florian Lejeune.
This Is Futbol has chosen three different centre-back combinations Newcastle could go with heading into the new campaign, including a surprise system that could see them conform to this Premier League trend.