Luke Edwards has revealed that Newcastle United are now expected to sign James Tarkowski, while Jesse Lingard is also being discussed.

The Lowdown: Spending spree?

With the takeover of the St James' Park club by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium now completed, there are many football fans wondering how much money they will have to spend in the January transfer window and who they could sign.

Philippe Coutinho and Mauro Icardi are just a couple of names to have recently been linked with the Magpies, and there is no doubt that more big names will be rumoured as we get closer to the next transfer window.

The Latest: Tarkowski expected

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, Edwards has revealed that Newcastle are expected to make Tarkowski one of the first signings of the new era, with the Burnley central defender understood to be keen on a move to Tyneside.

Lingard is also being discussed as a potential signing, but it is not yet clear whether the Manchester United ace would be as eager to join the Geordies.

The Verdict: Get both in

The Magpies could make a real statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League by bringing in both Tarkowski and Lingard.

Hailed as a 'top player' by his manager Sean Dyche, the Burnley defender has gained a lot of experience playing in the top flight and could form a formidable centre-back partnership with Jamaal Lascelles.

We all know what Lingard is capable of producing after he showed during his loan spell at West Ham United last season, which Adrian Durham described as 'phenomenal', that he has an eye for both a goal and an assist, with no fewer than 14 goal contributions in 16 games for the Irons (Transfermarkt).

With the calibre of players with whom the club they are now being linked, these are very exciting times for the Toon Army.

In other news, find out which 172-goal star Newcastle are also targeting