Premier League CB set to become first signing of Saudi era as NUFC eye double deal - Report

According to The Telegraph, Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski is expected to become the new owners' first signing at Newcastle United - while a move for Jesse Lingard has also been discussed.

Luke Edwards' 'exclusive' claims that the player is 'keen' on a move to St James' Park and has a gentleman's agreement with Burnley should a club come in with an acceptable offer in January.

It's thought his name has 'featured heavily' in preliminary discussions between Amanda Staveley and the football advisors supporting the new owners; who are keen to recruit Premier League proven players who can slot straight into the team.

Elsewhere, The Telegraph claim that we are also keen on Man Utd's Jesse Lingard.

Edwards reports that it is not yet clear if he would be eager to make the move - he did reject our loan offer in January to sign for West Ham instead - however he's since rejected a contract offer at Old Trafford and struggled for game time.

Back to Tarkowski, he may well be available at a cut-price fee in the new year, with the 28-year-old's contract currently due to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season.

The following snippet is also intriguing from the piece itself, revealing FOUR other positions we are likely to strengthen in January:

The club will also look to sign at least one full-back, a central-midfield player, a winger and a centre forward but there is no limit at this stage on the number of signings they can make.

An early appraisal of the squad has led to the belief that it is under-resourced in every area and the money will be made available to address that as a matter of urgency in the winter window.

Would you be happy to see Tarkowski at the Toon?

He's a solid Premier League centre-back who'd improve a problem position at the club, so it's a yes from us!