Newcastle United's left-back spot is 'up for grabs' as speculation mounts over a host of potential transfer targets. That is the view of Magpies legend Warren Barton, who feels Kieran Trippier is the benchmark for any current squad member or summer signing to try and match.
Dan Burn made the starting spot on the left side of defence his own last season, shifting out from centre-back to accommodate the arrival of Sven Botman. The former Brighton star helped Eddie Howe's side record the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League, but questions remain over the 31-year-old's starting status.
Burn's form limited Matt Targett's own opportunities last term, after the former Aston Villa full-back made the move to St James' Park permanent last summer. Howe also has Jamal Lewis at his disposal, although the Northern Ireland international has now struggled for consistency and minutes during his three-year spell so far.
Marc Cucurella and Kieran Tierney have both been touted as potential targets in the current window, while AC Milan star Theo Hernandez has emerged as a more ambitious link in recent days. Barton was full of praise for Burn's impact in the role, but believes it is the one spot in the current starting eleven which could require a rethink as Newcastle close in on a blockbuster deal for midfielder Sandro Tonali.
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He told ChronicleLive: "It's up for grabs. Big Dan has been excellent, we know he's a centre-half and he did play three at the back with Brighton so he's comfortable in that position. He went into that position, and I think we went 18 or 19 games unbeaten and he was a big part of that.
"He found it difficult against out and out wingers because of their mobility, and you get isolated as a full-back. But I think he did a hell of a job, he should be proud of what he's done and he chipped in with a couple of goals as well.
"Targett is exactly what we wanted when he came in, a solid, comfortable left-back. You know you're going to get seven or eight out of 10, he's reliable and does his job. Obviously, he's not a Trippier with the assists and the delivery that he's got. He's an honest, good professional that will do a steady job and that's exactly what we needed when he came in January.
"Lewis, like [Anthony] Gordon, he's got potential and he found it difficult under the last manager with the system and the setup. It's down to him now, is he going to work hard in pre-season and the close season or is he going to look to get a move away?
"For the left-backs, just look across the other side. There's your role model, 32 years of age, the way he looks after himself, the way he plays and is engaged in everything the club does. If you want to make that position your own, take a leaf out of his book and you won't be far short."
