OPINION
Rafa Benitez would solve his right-back dilemma at Newcastle with a move for Cyrstal Palace right-back Joel Ward after the defender reportedly rejected a new deal at Selhurst Park.
The Daily Mirror claimed in their transfer news blog on Thursday afternoon (4.41pm) that the 27-year-old had refused the offer of a new contract with the London club.
It is said that the Toon’s Premier League rivals West Brom are on red alert to sign the defender, with Tony Pulis keen to add defenders to his depleted side before the end of the transfer window.
Ward could be available as part of a cut-price deal this summer if he is to leave Frank de Boer’s newly-inherited side, with only one more season left on his contract with the Eagles.
Newcastle have already completed moves for five new players in Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo, Mikel Merino, Josh Murphy and Christian Atsu but are expected to continue in their hunt for new recruits.
None more so than at right-back, after Vurnon Anita joined Leeds on a free transfer while USA international DeAndre Yedlin suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season.
The 24-year-old speed machine is expected to be sidelined for the majority of August and that will see Benitez have to field a makeshift defence against Tottenham on Sunday if he fails to bring in a new defender before then.
Manquillo is expected to play on the left side of defence with Paul Dummett not deemed good enough for Premier League football, and that will see the Toon without a right-sided defender for their top-flight berth.
Ward is a proven Premier League performer and has continued to be one of the first names on Palace’s team sheet in recent seasons, playing in every single one of Palace’s 38 league games last season.
He helped the Eagles steer clear of relegation by being part of a defence that mustered seven league clean sheets, and can offer versatility to a side by being able to play at right-back, left-back or even centre-back because of his lofty frame.
With Yedlin sidelined, Ward would be the perfect signing at St. James’ Park if Benitez can secure a move for a price that fits the Newcastle wallet.