According to reports in The Sun, via the Daily Star, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is eyeing a move for Burnley midfielder Scott Arfield if his side wins promotion to the Premier League this season.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 28-year-old’s contract runs out in the summer of 2018 but with no discussions over a new contract happening as of yet, it has brought his future at Turf Moor into doubt.

If Arfield does decide that he doesn’t want to commit his long-term future to the Lancashire side, then they could decide to cash in on him this summer.

Those are developments that are said to have caught the attention of Benitez, who is looking at potential signings if they make an instant return to the top flight.

How has he done this season?

He’s been something of a regular in the Clarets team as they currently sit in 13th position and looking set to avoid relegation to the Championship.

The Canada international – who came up against the country he was born in, Scotland, on Wednesday night – has made 26 Premier League appearances, scoring one goal and making 28 key passes.

He has shown his value defensively too by making 34 interceptions and 29 clearances too.

The midfielder has made more than 150 appearances in all competitions for Burnley since joining them from Huddersfield in 2013, scoring 20 goals.

Where would he fit in at Newcastle?

Arfield is quite a versatile player,and is able to play anywhere across the midfield – an attribute that is sure to impress Benitez as he looks to bring in experienced players if his team go up at the end of the season.

What’s the verdict, then?

It will depend on any forthcoming contract talks.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche may want to wait until the end of the season before deciding on the futures of something of his players.

Arfield is a regular though, and Dyche surely wouldn’t be ken for him to join a potential rival next term.