Transfer Talk: Magpies set to swoop for England stars

Newcastle are set to launch an audacious attempt to recruit five England stars to their survival bid.

According to the Telegraph, Harry Winks, Ross Barkley, Jesse Lingard, Kieran Trippier and James Tarkowski are all being eyed by Eddie Howe.

With Winks failing to impress new Tottenham coach Antonio Conte, Barkley set for a Chelsea exit and Lingard unlikely to feature in Ralf Rangnick's plans at Manchester United, the midfield trio could all be on the verge of making a Magpies move.

St James' Park's Saudi decision makers have issued Howe a blank cheque as they desperately try to halt the seemingly inevitable slide to the Championship.

The Tyneside club have scored 16 league goals this season but have threadbare midfield options beyond Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock.

Trippier and Tarkowski, meanwhile, would add plenty of experience to a leaky backline.

The Magpies have the worst defensive record in the top flight with 30 goals conceded and remain winless after 14 games.

A bolstered rearguard is crucial for any bid to avoid the drop, with Howe's troops already six points from safety.

In other news

The Mirror claim Arsenal are keen to bring in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.

The Gunners are resigned to losing the out-of-contract Frenchman in the summer and manager Mikel Arteta has apparently selected the Toffees No9 as his preferred alternative.

England international Calvert-Lewin has been sidelined since August with a fractured toe and has seen his side slip to 14th in the table in his absence.

Fellow striker Edinson Cavani is keen on joining Barcelona in the summer, say The Times.

The Uruguayan is considering his options at Old Trafford as the club undergoes a radical overhaul under interim coach Rangnick.

Lastly, 90min report that West Ham are interested in signing Manchester City defender Nathan Ake to compensate for Angelo Ogbonna's season-ending injury.

The Dutch international is under contract at the Etihad until 2025 but could be swayed by the guarantee of first-team football.