NEWCASTLE United are reportedly targeting Burnley defender James Tarkowski in the January transfer window.

The defender’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is keen on a move to St James’ Park, according to The Telegraph.

The Magpies are looking to bolster their squad following their takeover by a Saudi Arabian-backed group, which was confirmed on Thursday after a £305 million deal was signed off by the Premier League.

Tarkowski was a target for Leicester and West Ham last year, with the Clarets reportedly turning down offers in the region of £30 million for the former Brentford man.

The defender – who has been capped twice by England – has gone from strength to strength since arriving at Turf Moor back in 2016.

If Tarkowski does leave Turf Moor in January, Brentford would be entitled to a hefty sell-on fee.

Speaking about his contract situation back in November, he told The Telegraph: "Burnley offered me a contract near the start of last season which, for me personally, it was nowhere near what I was going to sign and I think the club understood.

"And they’ve come back again this year, and still, for me, it’s just not right.

“Finances do matter but, at this particular stage, whatever path I take I will get financially rewarded so the financial side is not even in my thinking at the moment. It’s more about my football.”