So why do we get this article this morning: "Alan Pardew has compiled a list of defensive targets as the club prepares for life after Fabricio Coloccini.
"While the focus remains on bringing in a new striker – most likely Borussia Monchengladbach’s Luuk de Jong - this month, the Magpies boss has also indentified a number of defenders he believes could fill the void left by Coloccini, who is likely to leave St James’ Park this summer.
"The Tynesiders are happy to wait until the Argentine’s future is resolved once and for all before upping their interest in anyone, but with Steven Taylor’s future also uncertain – the defender has been linked with a move to Stoke City – Pardew is keen to have options up his sleeve.
"Sevilla defender Juan Torres Ruiz, also known as ‘Cala’, is believed to be on Pardew’s radar. The fact the 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer would suit Magpies’ owner Mike Ashley, and talks over a new deal in his homeland have stalled suggesting a move in on the cards.
"St Etienne’s Kurt Zouma, who was a summer target of the Magpies, is also under consideration, as is West Ham’s James Tomkins, but Pardew will wait to see whether the Hammers can avoid relegation before rekindling his long-standing interest in the defender."