"I could see that" - Keith Downie drops NUFC summer transfer claim on signing duo from PL team

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie could see Burnley pair James Tarkowski and Ben Mee joining Newcastle United at the end of the season depending on what division the two clubs are playing in.

Both players were linked with moves to St James’ Park last month, and Downie thinks they could eventually link-up with Eddie Howe in the summer.

Tarkowski and Mee will be free agents at the end of this campaign. Their contracts are set to expire and there have been no signs to suggest that either player will put pen to paper on an extension.

It is hardly a surprise, as both central defenders were the subject of heavy interest from Newcastle, who are now the richest club in the world following their recent takeover.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Magpies were willing to double both Tarkowski and Mee’s wages in a bid to lure them to St James’ Park last month.

In the end, Burnley managed to keep hold of the two English centre-halves, but they look to have only delayed the inevitable.

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Downie has told GIVEMESPORT that he can see Newcastle signing Tarkowski and Mee depending on how this season’s relegation battle ends, with both the Tyneside club and Lancashire outfit fighting it out down at the bottom.

Speaking to GMS about Newcastle’s interest in the Burnley duo, the Sky Sports journalist said: “I could see that probably happening depending on where both clubs are in terms of division. I could see that probably happening at the end of the season.”

Yes. The two would bring a lot to a Newcastle defence that has conceded 44 goals in the current Premier League campaign – the second-worst record in the division.

Tarkowski, 29, and Mee, 32, have a lot of experience,