Alan Pardew wants defensive reinforcements

Alan Pardew has revealed that he is likely to add at least one defender to his squad during the January transfer window.

Reports over the weekend had claimed that the Magpies had reached an agreement to sign French international full-back Mathieu Debuchy.

While Pardew refused to confirmed his interest in the 27-year-old, he did admit that his team is in major need of some defensive cover.

"Defensively we are so short. I've given my message to the board and I think they've got that loud and clear. We hope to see somebody sooner or later," he told reporters.

Should Debuchy sign on at St James' Park, Newcastle will have fought off reported interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona in the defender.