Newcastle United have reportedly earmarked AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori as Matthias Jaissle looks to bolster his defensive options in January.
Jaissle was handed the unenviable task of succeeding the long-reigning Eddie Howe at St James' Park this summer and has overseen a mixed start in his introduction to English football.
Heavy defeats on the road to both Leeds United and newly-promoted Coventry City have laid bare Newcastle's defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks.
The Magpies currently have the joint-second worst defensive record in the Premier League, and preparations are said to be already underway to add additional options when the transfer window re-opens.
According to Football Insider, Tomori is a top target for Newcastle in the January transfer window, with a number of Premier League clubs also said to be in pursuit.
Newcastle were repeatedly linked with the centre-back in the summer, but a move ultimately didn't materialise and he ultimately remained at the San Siro.
The 28-year-old has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal in Milan, and has found himself firmly on the fringes since Ruben Amorim took charge of the Rossoneri in June.
With his seven-season stint with the Serie A unlikely to be extended Milan will likely look to cash in on Tomori in January, with Newcastle said to be the frontrunners to secure the secure the six-cap England international's signature.
In all, Tomori has made more than 210 appearances for the Italian giants, after initially joining the club on loan from Chelsea in January 2021.
After joining the club permanently that summer, Tomori would serve as a key component of Stefano Pioli's side that claimed their first Scudetto in a decade, and was also named in the Serie A Team of the Year.
