Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to be eyeing a move for Juventus sensation, Adrien Rabiot, ahead of the January transfer window.

What's the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato - the Magpies - as well as fellow Premier League side Arsenal - are ready to 'go on the offensive' if there is a chance to land the 27-year-old next month, with the French international having just six months remaining on his existing deal in Turin.

The report suggests that the Serie A outfit could potentially even set their sights on the midfielder's compatriot Allan Saint-Maximin as part of a swap deal, albeit with Max Allegri's side also set to consider offers of around €15-20m (£13-17m).

The 6 foot 2 maestro was previously linked with a move to Tyneside during the summer window, having also reportedly come close to joining Manchester United.

'Monster' at St James' Park

Were the £149k-per-week man to trade one black and white jersey for another it could well prove a notable coup as far as the northeast side are concerned, with Rabiot having been in scintillating form for both club and country of late.

The experienced asset has notably been something of a shining light at the Allianz Stadium so far this term having scored five goals and laid on two assists in all competitions from his midfield berth, proving himself a growing threat in the final third.

The former Paris Saint-Germain "monster" - as described by journalist Robin Bairner - would offer Eddie Howe's side a real all-round asset due to his brilliance at both ends of the pitch, as he also ranks in the top 15% in Europe for aerial duels won, as well as in the top 19% for tackles made.

That quality has now been replicated at international level with the "sensational" ace - as described by commentator T.N Raghu - having been vital for Les Bleus at the World Cup so far, making up for lost time after refusing to be part of the standby list four years ago in Russia.

The 33-cap magician has started three of his country's four games at the tournament in Qatar thus far, notably scoring once and laying on one assist, while also showcasing his ball-winning talent after averaging an impressive 2.5 tackles per game.

A truly eye-catching figure who has a wealth of experience at the elite level - with 60 Champions League appearances to his name in his career thus far - Rabiot's arrival in England would surely prove an astute move for the top-four hopefuls.

It may well prove a difficult task for Ashworth to try and tempt the Frenchman to come to St James' Park, although the one-time Manchester City youth product could certainly add real quality to Newcastle's midfield ranks.