According to reports in The Independent, Newcastle United are targeting a summer move for Stoke City centre-back Ryan Shawcross if they secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Currently 10 points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town with the Terriers having just six Championship matches of the season remaining to overturn that deficit, Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is already starting to make plans for next term in the top flight.

While Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark have formed a strong partnership at the heart of the United defence during the current campaign, the Spanish boss is keen to bring in a more experienced centre-back at the end of the season and has made Shawcross one of his priority signings.

Even though the 29-year-old is the Potters’ captain and has made 29 Premier League appearances this term, his contract is due to run out next summer and he has yet to be offered a new one.

This news has given the north-east outfit encouragement that they could lure him to St James’ Park.

Here are three reasons Benitez is right to be targeting a move for Shawcross…

He is a leader

If Newcastle are promoted back to the Premier League, then Benitez will be keen to have some stronger personalities on the pitch than the last time were in the top flight.

One of the reasons they were relegated was because of a lack of leaders on the pitch and players going missing during the difficult times, and Shawcross would certainly solve that issue if he did move to St James’ Park.

The 29-year-old is currently the captain of Stoke which shows how highly thought of he is at the Britannia Stadium, and he doesn’t let any of his teammates hide.

Premier League experience

Shawcross has been a regular in the Stoke City backline for 10 Premier League seasons now and has racked up 284 appearances in that time.

He knows the English top flight inside out and how to deal with the best strikers, and would be able to pass that knowledge on to the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba if he made the move to St James’ Park.

His experience in defence could easily be the difference between the club staying up or going down.

His defensive qualities

While he is a great leader and has plenty of Premier League experience, there is also a reason why he has been a regular at this level for so many years.

The 29-year-old is brilliant from a defensive point of view, as he has once again shown that during the current season with the Potters.

Shawcross has made 193 clearances and 44 interceptions in 29 top flight appearances this term, while he has shown just strong he is in the air by winning 102 aerial duels.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.