Newcastle United open discussions over Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso?

Newcastle United have reportedly identified Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso as a potential transfer target.

Despite Newcastle languishing in the bottom half of the table, a potential takeover by a Saudi Arabia-based consortium has led to speculation regarding high-profile arrivals during the next window.

According to The Mirror, that has resulted in the Magpies expressing a desire to secure a deal for Alonso.

With the Blues looking to bring in Leicester City's Ben Chilwell, club officials will inevitably look to part ways with either Alonso or Emerson Palmieri.

The report suggests that Newcastle would be willing to spend £26m on the Spaniard, who has contributed four goals and two assists from just 11 Premier League outings this season.

The 29-year-old is no stranger to the North-East, having previously spent a loan spell at Sunderland in 2014.