Pundit Danny Murphy believes Newcastle United’s alleged move for Burnley defender James Tarkowski makes ‘perfect sense’ after their takeover.
Newcastle’s takeover went through earlier this month and fans are expecting signings during the January transfer window.
Huge signings may not be added, but calculated additions with Premier League experience will be key.
The Telegraph reported shortly after the takeover that Tarkowski is expected to become the first signing under PIF.
Tarkowski’s Burnley contract is running down and he has no plans to stay at Turf Moor.
Newcastle are seemingly already planning to swoop in and sign Tarkowski, sensing a cut-price deal.
Murphy backs Tarkowski for Newcastle move
Pundit Murphy has told the Daily Mail that permanent signings won’t be easy, but Tarkowski would be perfect.
The ex-Liverpool man suggested that Tarkowski is a ‘proven’ leader at the back and can be signed on the cheap thanks to his contract situation.
Murphy thinks Tarkowski ticks many boxes and makes perfect sense for Newcastle’s new era.
The pundit believes that a centre back has to be a priority, alongside a holding midfielder and full back.
“Permanent signings will be hard in January but trying to bring in someone like Burnley’s James Tarkowski, a proven defensive leader and out of contract in the summer, ticks a lot of boxes and would make perfect sense,” said Murphy.
“I’ve watched a lot of Newcastle this season and, while they have made more chances, they have been woeful defensively. If I was manager, I’d want to sign a centre half, holding midfielder and full-back to make the team tough to break down,” he added.
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