Newcastle tipped to make ‘massive statement’ with ‘huge’ double bid involving Tarkowski – pundit
Kevin Phillips has insisted Newcastle can make a “massive statement” in their fight against relegation by signing Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee in January.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Magpies can blow the Lancashire side away with a “huge offer”.
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 to the Championship.
Both defenders are approaching the final six months of their contract at Turf Moor.
Phillips claimed the bumper contracts will be “a small price to pay” if the duo can seal Premier League survival this term.
“They’ll be able to make a huge offer that Burnley won’t be able to turn down,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Those two will come in, solid signings, and really shore that defence up.
“I’m not sure they’ll be playing in that Newcastle side in three or four years, but I think the biggest thing right now is staying in the Premier League.
“To bring in two massively experienced centre-halves who know each other would be a massive statement in this relegation battle, wow.
“They may well have to double their salaries, but that’s a small price to pay for surviving relegation.”
Newcastle have conceded the second-most goals of any side in the top-flight this season (30).
Tarkowski and Mee boast 378 combined top-flight appearances.
In other news, Newcastle tipped to kick off “new era” with “marquee signing” of a familiar face.