Lee Ryder: PIF now favourites to secure perfect deal for Newcastle this summer - report

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now favourites to sign James Tarkowski for Newcastle United this summer.

The Burnley defender certainly has plenty of admirers, with both West Ham United and Everton also reportedly interested in his signature.

He is out of contract at Turf Moor in the summer and can therefore be signed on a free transfer once it expires.

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Lee Ryder has reported that Newcastle may have ‘nudged ahead’ in the race to sign Tarkowski, as West Ham have cooled their interest.

The journalist states that it could be the ‘perfect deal’ for the Magpies, given that he would come for free and they could offer him more in wages.

It really is a no-brainer for the Tyneside outfit to try and bring Tarkowski to St James’ Park on a free transfer.

Once dubbed ‘outstanding’ by his former Clarets manager Sean Dyche, the Mancunian would offer Eddie Howe another solid option in the centre of defence, and he is in his prime at 29 years of age.

The Englishman also has valuable Premier League experience and know-how, so he should be able to settle in fairly quickly at Newcastle should he make the move to the northeast.

In other news, find out who else NUFC are now ‘chasing’ this summer

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