Newcastle prepared to double the wages of key Burnley duo

Newcastle United got their long-awaited first win of the season on Saturday, as they beat Burnley 1-0 at St. James’ Park thanks to a goal from Callum Wilson. 

Eddie Howe has now overseen two draws and a win from his four games in charge, although he wasn’t on the touchline for the draw with Brentford in his first game in charge.

The Magpies have struggled defensively this season, however, having conceded six goals in his four games in charge.

With that in mind, it appears that the former Bournemouth boss is already eyeing defensive reinforcements to solidify his backline ahead of a crucial second half of the season.

According to Mirror, Newcastle will make an audacious double swoop for Burnley defenders James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.

The report suggests that the Magpies would even be prepared to double both players’ wages, with the pair currently believed to both earn around £50,000-per-week.

Both Tarkowski and Mee are set to be out of contract next summer and, although the Clarets will do everything in their power to avoid losing their first choice defensive pairing, the financial lure of Newcastle could prove too tempting for the duo.

Their intention of signing at least one of the two will not only boost their own survival hopes, but also dent Burnley’s.

Sean Syche’s Burnley are also in the drop zone.

“He is just like the others in that we stay open minded with these situations,” Burnley boss Sean Dyche recently said of the situation regarding Mee.

“Dialogue between the clubs and their agents.

“So yeah, he understands where that is at.”

The 32-year-old has spent a decade at Turf Moor, and was managed by Howe briefly at the start of his time with the club.

Howe is now preparing offers to raid his former side, where he spent a year between 2011 and 2012.

While Burnley will be desperate to keep hold of both Tarkowski and Mee, they may opt to cash in on both in order to avoid losing them for free next summer.