New name linked as NUFC are tipped to make January moves for Premier League trio

The latest name to be linked with a move to St James' Park? Enter Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

Football Insider are reporting that we have identified the set piece specialist as a 'firm target' ahead of the January transfer window.

The same piece also claims that we're sounding out moves for Man Utd's Jesse Lingard and Aston Villa's Marevlous Nakamba, with them expecting us to be the busiest Premier League club this winter.

It's claimed advisors have told the new Newcastle United owners that 'beefing up' our midfield options should be equally important as improving our defence when the window opens.

For me, James Ward-Prowse would be the ideal replacement for Jonjo Shelvey - a player who has bags of ability but remains a luxury at this level.

Southampton rejected a £25m bid from Aston Villa for the England international over the summer and would surely be hugely reluctant to sell their best player in the middle of the season - especially when they may be embroiled in a relegation battle alongside ourselves.

Money talks, but will they sell him to a direct rival in January? I have my doubts, but he'd be a great player to target.

Nakamba is a ball-winner who was once compared to N'Golo Kante during his time with Club Brugge, while Lingard could be well worth targeting when you consider his lack of game time at Old Trafford and the immediate impact he had during a loan spell at West Ham last season.