Newcastle plot bid to sign player with 191 PL apps, he'd be a big upgrade on Lascelles - opinion

Newcastle United are reportedly hoping to make another move for Burnley defender James Tarkowski this summer, having missed out on a deal back in January.

According to NewcastleWorld, the Magpies are set to make another play for the 29-year-old at the end of the season, with the £19.8m-rated man set to be available on a free transfer as his existing deal nears its expiry.

Reports back in the winter window had seen the former Oldham man heavily linked with a switch to St James’ Park, although the Clarets held firm to knock back any interest, having already lost striker Chris Wood to their then-relegation rivals.

With seemingly little hope of the £50k-per-week colossus staying at Turf Moor beyond this summer – having already rejected previous contract offers from the club – Eddie Howe’s side appear to have renewed optimism at finally getting their man.

At the time of their interest back in January, Newcastle were still very much in the mix for relegation, having picked up just five points from the opening 11 games prior to the appointment of the former Bournemouth boss.

At present, however, the northeast side are still in contention for a top-half finish, having surged their way to 43 points, with their winter investment having more than paid off with almost all their new additions hitting the ground running.

That being said, there is seemingly still major surgery needed to turn the once-struggling outfit into real, genuine contenders in the upper echelons of the table, with the reported interest in Tarkowski seemingly a sign that there is still plenty more work to be done.

The centre-back’s arrival could also mean the end for captain Jamaal Lascelles, with pundit Paul Robinson suggesting that the former Nottingham Forest