Toon dealt transfer blow as club tell Saudi owners they won't sell to relegation rivals - Report

Burnley are set to block any offers for Toon target James Tarkowski in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider.

The defender - who has also attracted interest from West Ham - is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, with interested clubs hopeful of signing him for a cut-price fee.

The Telegraph reported last month that we are eager to bring the no nonsense centre-back to Tyneside in January, however, a new report by Football Insider claims the Clarets will refuse to sell one of their key players to a direct relegation rival.

This news, if true, could come as a real blow for our new owners, as Tarkowski had been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside in a bid to shore up what is the second leakiest defence in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle have conceded 24 goals in just 11 games so far this campaign, so you would expect the backline to be the priority when the market reopens for business in seven weeks time.

I can see why Burnley would be against the idea of strengthening a relegation rival - especially when it would see them lose one of their best players - however that stance may change if a big offer arrives for a man they look set to lose for nothing next summer...