Newcastle have sent scouts to watch the sought-after 'amazing' Sunderland star

Newcastle United Sunderland have carried out a scouting mission for the 'amazing' Sunderland star ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.

Newcastle is seeking to sign a defender

Back in November, Alan Shearer gave an overview of the positions he feels Newcastle need to strengthen this winter, Saying: “I will definitely target a centre-forward, right-forward and maybe a centre-half. These are the three priority positions.”

Since then, the Magpies have increased their interest in a number of centre-backs, with a move for Lens. Abdelkader Khosanov To become their first goal in that area of ​​the field, in light of his impressive performance in the French League this season.

Eric Garcia He has also emerged as a target for Eddie Howewith Barcelona prepared to allow the defender to leave in January, if a potential suitor is willing to pay a fee of around €25m (£21m) for his services.

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The Magpies have their sights set on a new winger.

Newcastle are looking at a number of options from players across the continent, but there are now indications that they may make a move for a player from much closer to home, much to the dismay of their local rivals.

According to a report by The Boot Room, the Magpies are one of a number of players to have been scouted by Sunderland. Daniel BallardBut there will be huge competition for his signature.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now seeking to sign the centre-back, while Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Fulham have also made scouting assignments, showing just how impressed he has been with his performances so far this season.

As such, the race for Ballard's signature could be difficult to win, and competing with Sunderland would certainly do Newcastle no favors when it comes to potentially entering transfer negotiations.

Ballard impresses the Black Cats

Sunderland are pushing for promotion to the top flight Premier League Ballard has emerged as an important player, especially in the last two months. Strengthening himself As a consistent starter and even provided a goal in a 3-2 win over Swansea City.

praised Described by journalist Josh Ponting as “amazing”, it is clear to see why so many top-flight clubs are keen to sign the 25-year-old, but a move to St James' Park seems an unlikely scenario, given the circumstances.

It would be highly unusual for Sunderland to agree to Ballard joining their main rivals, especially when they are in a promotion race and there are a number of other interested parties they could sell him to.

As such, Newcastle may be better off prioritizing the signing of more realistic targets, such as Khosanov or Garcia, especially given that the latter player will be allowed to leave Barcelona in January, making negotiations much easier to conduct.