Newcastle United are showing an interest in a Premier League centre-back who hasn’t missed a minute for his side this season, according to a report.

Boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League so far this season, Newcastle have given themselves solid foundations from which to challenge for European qualification. They will also be hoping to utilise those strengths in the Carabao Cup final against Man Utd this weekend.

There has been significant progress for Eddie Howe’s side during the current season. To maintain their momentum for years to come, they are considering how they could adjust their squad in the summer.

After all, they might have four competitions to juggle next season, so will need a deep enough roster. And despite their defensive strength this season, their backline is an area they are looking to reinforce.

This season, they have mainly relied on a centre-back partnership of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar. Since Schar is now in his thirties, though, Newcastle might be looking for a long-term partner for Botman.

In that regard, a report from Football Insider has just revealed that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Wolves centre-back, Max Kilman.

The 25-year-old has started and completed all 23 of his side’s Premier League matches so far this season. He now has 93 appearances for the club to his name since his 2018 arrival.

Kilman has progressed in recent seasons and could be due to take the next step in his career. The likes of Tottenham have been linked with Kilman over the past few months.

But according to Football Insider, Newcastle could become serious contenders to sign him in the summer. By then, there will be three years remaining on his contract at Molineux.

Although Newcastle are not going to be the only contenders to sign Kilman, they could be one of the most powerful suitors thanks to their wealth and renewed competitive nature on the pitch.

Kilman could replace Lascelles at Newcastle

The link with Kilman has come in the wake of the same source revealing that an existing Newcastle defender could leave in the summer.

Football Insider is also reporting that Jamaal Lascelles has become a target for his former club, Nottingham Forest, nearly a decade after moving in the opposite direction.

Lascelles is still Newcastle’s captain, but has been less prominent on the pitch this season. Still only 29 years old, he might want to consider finding somewhere to play more regularly.

Besides, since his contract will expire at the end of next season, it may make sense for Newcastle to cash in while they can during the summer transfer window.

By returning to Forest, Lascelles could follow in the footsteps of former Newcastle teammates, Chris Wood and Jonjo Shelvey.

His potential departure would symbolise Newcastle’s ongoing evolution. They have slowly but surely been upgrading their squad since their current owners came in to take charge.

It will be interesting to see what their next steps are, with Kilman now becoming one to watch in terms of potential transfer targets.

READ MORE: Trippier names four ‘unbelievable’ Man Utd players Newcastle will bring to their knees in League Cup final

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