Newcastle United would be landing a huge coup if they were able to bring in the left-back Ferland Mendy from Real Madrid, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
What's the latest?
There have been some reports suggesting that Newcastle are showing an interest in the Frenchman this month alongside the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
And the report from France has also claimed the Magpies have already submitted a 'very big offer' for the La Liga star who still has a number of years on his deal at the Bernabeu.
Having heard the speculation surrounding the 27-year-old, O'Rourke has told FootballFanCast this would be a big move for Newcastle if they could attract a player of Mendy's quality away from the Spanish champions:
"Yeah, it'd be a big signing for Newcastle signing someone like Mendy who's been a regular for Real Madrid, won Champions League finals.
"And I think Real Madrid do seem to be open to his potential move in the near future. So yeah, would be a huge coup for Newcastle, if they could land Mendy."
Huge addition
Mendy has now made 12 starts in La Liga this season for Madrid with a further five appearances coming across Los Blancos' Champions League games (via Transfermarkt).
The 27-year-old has played a big role at Madrid now for a number of years having not played fewer than 22 times in each of his La Liga campaigns.
And Mendy was Carlo Ancelotti's starting left-back during Madrid's journey to Champions League triumph last year with his only absences coming through injury and a suspension in the knockout stages.
Despite playing in such a talented Madrid side, Mendy has only been able to return one assist this season which is hardly a comparison with some of the Premier League's top full-backs like Andrew Robertson.
Yet, this has not put Newcastle off potentially bringing the Frenchman to Tyneside, according to reports, with Dan Burn's spot at left-back seemingly coming under pressure.
The Blyth-born defender has made a huge impact at St. James' Park since arriving last January having already made 36 appearances under Howe and taken the starting spot away from Matt Targett in the process.
It is believed Mendy is currently earning £154k-per-week at the Bernabeu and it is hard to imagine he would be willing to leave with over two years left on his deal.
With this in mind, if Newcastle are to bring in Mendy, the Frenchman would smash the wage structure set on Tyneside with the current highest-paid players Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak on a reported £120k-per-week.
This would be a big moment if Newcastle were to break the £150k weekly salary rate, and if they are to do so, we think they need to ensure it is spent wisely on a perfect fit for what Howe is building.