Newcastle tipped to complete signings of Tarkowski and Burnley teammate – pundit
Kevin Campbell has insisted Burnley will find it hard to resist a Newcastle approach for centre-backs James Tarkowski and Ben Mee in January.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed a double deal for the Clarets defenders would be a “shrewd move” for the Magpies.
According to the Mirror (6 December), Newcastle are preparing to double the salaries of Tarkowski, 29, and teammate Mee, 32, in January as they bid to survive relegation from the top flight this term.
The report claims both players currently earn £50,000-a-week on contracts that expire at the end of this season.
Campbell insisted Burnley won’t be able to refuse “big money” for the duo in the winter window.
“I can see that happening – and I really like the way they’re moving to try and get both of them,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Very rarely you see a club going in for two centre-halves from the same club. But Eddie Howe and Newcastle will obviously be well aware that Tarkowski and Mee have got a really good understanding.
“They play really well together, bring the best out of each other – it’d be a really shrewd move. I think Newcastle could get them, as well, which is another important thing.
“They’ll have deep pockets thanks to the new owner, and I can’t see Burnley being able to turn down big money in January with their contract situations.”
Burnley captain Mee has played 206 games in the Premier League after coming through the ranks at Man City.
Tarkowski also boasts a wealth of experience, having played 172 times in the top flight for the Clarets.
In other news, it can be revealed that Newcastle are well placed to agree a mega-money commercial deal after “huge” development.