As reported by The Sun, Newcastle United have identified the defender they think can help them make a splash in the English Premier League next season.

What's the story?

After winning the Championship at the first attempt, there's high optimism at St James' Park right now, with fans believing that Rafa Benitez is the man to lead them to a solid English Premier League showing next season.

The Spaniard has a lot of work to do in the upcoming transfer window if he's to build a squad worthy of that optimism and is already hard at work identifying targets.

The Sun say he's interested in bringing Leicester City Wes Morgan to the North East. The 33 year old signed a new deal at the Foxes just last summer but the Magpies are intent on opening negotiations and testing Leicester's desire to hold on to their man.

What they need?

Despite winning the division this season, there have been question marks over Newcastle's defence in the Championship all term and it's clear they need one or two players of quality in their backline if they are to finish in a comfortable position in the top-flight.

Wes Morgan was a key part of Leicester's title-winning side last season and is one of the few Foxes players to show some of that form again throughout this campaign.

Adding UEFA Champions League experience to his game, Morgan is arguably as good as he's ever been right now. With close to 650 professional appearances across his career at Nottingham Forest and Leicester, he could be the steady hand Newcastle need to guide them through what will be a difficult return to the Premier League.

He may not have a long-term future at St James', but for next season he could be a fine acquisition indeed.

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