John Barnes believes Kieran Trippier would be "a very good signing" for Newcastle United as they look to address the Premier League's worst defence.
The Magpies are closing in on a deal for the England right-back who would become the first signing of the new Saudi regime.
Eddie Howe has worked with the former Tottenham Hotspur defender during their time at Burnley and would be a real statement of intent from the Newcastle hierarchy.
READ MORE: Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Trippier price tag claim and Brereton Diaz warning
Speaking to BonusCodeBets, Barnes said: "Kieran would be a good signing because defensively Newcastle need to tighten up. They’re creative going forward but defensively they need a leader.
"From a playing perspective, he’s not going to come in and set the world alight, but from an organisational and leadership perspective, he’d be a very good signing.
"He’s 31, probably looking to come back to England, and he’s had a good time in Spain. He’s a good character and a good leader."
Newcastle have also enquired about a potential loan move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after an injury to Callum Wilson, according to the latest reports.
However, with question marks over Aubameyang's character after falling out of favour at Arsenal, Barnes does not believe he'd be the right type of player for the Magpies relegation battle.
"I don’t think that’s realistic," Barnes said. "The kind of players Newcastle want are players who can fight against relegation, not win a league.
"If things aren’t going well and they need to dig deep, is Aubameyang someone you’d want there? I doubt very much that that will happen. Scoring goals isn’t their problem.
"Having togetherness and harmony and everyone pulling in the right direction is what Newcastle need. With all the money they have they still can’t get Messi or Mbappe.
"Newcastle can’t all of a sudden pay twice the salaries of Man City and Liverpool. This project might mean they can pay more money than the others in two or three years.
"They’re not going to be paying £200m for players in January, that’s not realistic."
