Newcastle United have reportedly submitted a 'very big offer' for Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy ahead of a possible January move.

The Lowdown: Newcastle looking at January signings

The Magpies may be excelling at the moment but that doesn't mean that they won't be putting their new-found financial power to good use and trying to upgrade the squad even further.

Eddie Howe will be aware that he needs to keep improving his squad if they are to finish in the top four, with a few sprinklings of quality potentially making all the difference.

While Newcastle have been linked with numerous attacking additions, a rumour regarding a defender has also emerged.

The Latest: Offer submitted for Mendy

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Newcastle have actually ‘already submitted a very big offer‘ to Real Madrid for the services of left-back Mendy.

The Magpies are 'very interested' in acquiring the Frenchman's signature, having tracked his progress 'for a little while'.

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The Verdict: Immediate left-back upgrade

Mendy could be a fantastic signing by Newcastle in January, coming in as a clear upgrade on Dan Burn, even though he is doing a brilliant job in an unconventional role.

The 27-year-old has made 12 starts in La Liga for Madrid this season, and won the Champions League last term, and he would provide more natural attacking quality than Burn, currently creating one chance per game for Real.

It is signings like these that could help Newcastle reach that next level and snapping up someone who has played regularly for one of Europe's biggest clubs would feel like a major coup, if Madrid are willing to sell.