Newcastle’s assault on the January transfer window is taking shape with a whole host of names linked.

The Telegraph say that Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski, 28, is set to be their first signing in the new year.

Tarkowski’s deal at Turf Moor runs out next summer and the Clarets are prepared to let him go if a suitable offer is made.

That should not be an issue for the cash rich Magpies, with the report also mentioning Jesse Lingard as a name that has been discussed.

As Newcastle look to bolster their backline, Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly is also on their list.

Football Insider believe the club view Koulibaly, 30, as a potential marquee signing to signal their arrival in the transfer market.

Though he was valued at £89million by Napoli in 2020, that figure has now dropped due to his age and with a contract due to end in 2023.

Reports in Italy also suggest that Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi is another ambitious name the Toon Army may go after.

Juventus and Tottenham are also after the 28-year-old, who has started just one of PSG’s past five Ligue 1 games with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe all ahead of him.

Reds eye Dembele

Liverpool are ready to sign Barcelona striker Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer.

The Reds want to strengthen their forward line and Dembele’s deal at the Camp Nou runs out in 2022.

The 24-year-old moved to Barca in 2017 for nearly £100million but has failed to live up to expectations as Neymar’s replacement.

And with the Catalan giants in deep financial trouble, the Frenchman will not be signing a new contract in Spain.

Now Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards want to help Dembele turn his career around, according to TeamTalk.

Klopp has Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi at his disposal already.

But reports suggest Firmino’s time at Anfield is coming to a close and Origi has always been a fringe player.

Despite Dembele’s struggles at Barca, Liverpool will face a battle with the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus to land his signature.

In other news

Reports in Italy say Inter Milan want Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette and Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic to bolster their striking options.

Blackburn and Chile star Ben Brereton-Diaz is on Sevilla’s radar after an impressive start to the campaign, report TeamTalk.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are confident that Kalvin Phillips will sign a new deal at the club before the end of the year.