Tottenham Hotspur to swoop for Newcastle United's top target?

Tottenham Hotspur are set to compete with Newcastle United to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski at the turn of the year.

The centre-back has rejected a new contract with the Clarets, and he could leave on a free transfer when his deal expires next summer.

A recent from The Telegraph claimed that the England international is the Magpies' prime defensive target after their recent takeover.

The Clarets prefer to sell Tarkowski rather than losing him for free, and it appears that the Magpies could face competition from Spurs.

Burnley were looking for around £50m for Tarkowski last year, but that put off the likes of Leicester City and West Ham United from signing him.

Ahead of the New Year, there are suggestions that they could demand upto £25m for the centre-back, knowing the Magpies' financial power.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs can compete with the Tyneside outfit in terms of the transfer fee as well as the weekly wage package.

The north London club recently sacked Nuno Espirito Santo, and it is widely claimed that Antonio Conte could take the hot seat in the coming days.