The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly eyeing up a potential Newcastle United move for Luke Shaw in January.

The Lowdown: Targett doubts?

Matt Targett has generally established himself as the first-choice left-back under Eddie Howe since his permanent move from Aston Villa in the summer.

However, he was left on the bench in the 4-1 win away at Fulham in the Premier League last time out and was replaced by Dan Burn, who can play in that position but is a more natural central defender.

Fellow left-back Jamal Lewis was also brought on in that game, which begs the question as to whether Howe is fully happy with Targett as his starting left-back at this moment in time.

The Latest: Shaw interest

As per Football Insider, PIF have now set their sights on a potential deal for Shaw in the January transfer window, with his contract at Manchester United set to expire next summer.

The Red Devils could be 'tempted' by a cut-price offer for the England international, who seems to have lost his starting place to new signing Tyrell Malacia under Erik ten Hag.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/" title="Newcastle news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Risky

While Shaw comes with quality and experience, signing him would be very risky for Newcastle.

The 27-year-old has been hammered with constant injury problems throughout his career, and on £150,000-per-week at Old Trafford, he is likely to demand a high wage should he make the move to the North East.

Shaw has been hailed as a 'machine' by Everton manager Frank Lampard, while Ten Hag has been impressed by some of the defender's recent performances - notably in the 3-3 draw for England at home to Germany in the UEFA Nations League when he scored, and recently in the 3-2 win for United away to Omonia in the UEFA Europa League.

He shares the same agent as summer signing Nick Pope, so there could be a deal to be done for the Magpies here in January, especially if they can get him for a cut-price fee.