Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is being linked with a loan move to Newcastle.
Tomori impressed for the Blues last season but has since fallen down the pecking order of centre-backs at Stamford Bridge.
The arrival of Thiago Silva has made it particularly difficult for Tomori to secure a first-team place.
The hugely experienced Silva is very much regarded as first choice, with Kurt Zouma having done well alongside him and Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen also vying for a place in Blues boss Frank Lampard’s squad.
It seems likely that Tomori will therefore spend the second half of the season out on loan in order for him to pick up more first-team experience.
And The Northern Echo suggest he could be an option for Newcastle when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Tyneside club are subject to a proposed takeover, with Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners group keen to complete a buyout.
Reports have therefore suggested that current owner Mike Ashley does not want to make major financial commitments while a takeover could be close and that manager Steve Bruce is likely to be restricted to loan signings.
So a loan deal for Tomori could suit both Newcastle and Chelsea, who are keen for the youngster to get regular game time in order to further his development.
However, he would also face competition for a place a St James’ Park, where Bruce has Jamal Lascelles, Federico Fernández, Fabien Schär, and Ciaran Clark to choose from.