Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark is being lined up for a reunion with former side Aston Villa on loan before the league window closes at the end of August, according to the Bristol Post.
The newspaper claim on their website that a loan move for the 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) powerhouse, who started the Magpies’ 2-1 defeat against Tottenham on the opening game of the season, is potentially on the cards as the Villans look to bolster their side with temporary deals.
Clark appeared 159 times for the Midlands outfit before heading to St James’ Park in 2016, turning out 59 times, including playing a key role in the club’s Championship winning campaign.
Good move for Newcastle?
This makes absolutely no sense for the Magpies and any move from Villa is likely to find itself quickly rebuffed.
Clark might have started against Tottenham but he is facing a battle with new arrivals Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez for a place in the starting XI.
Despite potentially falling as far as fourth choice, the fact Florian Lejeune is out with a long term injury means it is unlikely Rafael Benitez will sanction any sort of departure, simply because Clark is a proven performer in the top flight.
Maybe something can be arranged in January, especially if the Republic of Ireland international is not getting any game time, but for now, it is a really bad move.
This is Futbol rating: 1.5/10
Likely to happen?
Simply put, this is an ambitious move from Villa which has little chance of coming off.
Newcastle would not let him go unless there was some sort of benefit for them, and unless Villa were willing to make some significant financial contribution, there is nothing which makes this a sensible switch for the Magpies.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10