According to The Athletic, Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori was among the names considered by Newcastle in the summer transfer window.

What's the word?

The Magpies were on the look-out for a new centre-back throughout the summer, but failed to see one come through the door before the end of the deadline earlier this month.

Now, The Athletic have revealed that Tomori, and Manchester United defender Phil Jones, were among those names who were "mentioned during discussions".

The report adds that Steve Bruce is keen to play with a back four, which is why he wanted a "pacy defender who is comfortable on the ball".

Perfect partner for Lascelles

22, an England international, and plenty of top-level experience at Chelsea, Tomori certainly has all the right attributes to have been a brilliant signing for Newcastle in the summer.

In fact, speaking after the centre-back scored a wonder goal in a win against Wolves last season, BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks said: "This performance by the Chelsea youngster was outstanding and his goal only tells half the story. Playing in a back three, he was amazing. Tomori’s confidence to take the ball into the danger area and provide the assist for Tammy Abraham suggest this lad is no ordinary defender. This is someone I intend keeping my eye on."

This season has seen game-time hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, with the arrival of Thiago Silva really limiting his opportunities - he's played just three times in total, with only one of them coming in the Premier League.

With The Athletic claiming that Bruce wanted a more pacy defender, Tomori completely fits that bill. Even after Chelsea's defeat to Valencia last season, The Daily Star showered praise on the 22-year-old, saying: "His astronomical pace allowed the Blues to play further up the pitch and was a constant thorn for the likes of Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo. The departure of David Luiz is looking more and more a masterstroke with the continuing form of the Englishman."

Had Newcastle sealed a deal for the 6 foot 1 ace, they could have landed a perfect long-term partner for Jamal Lascelles.