Newcastle United are eyeing Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

The Daily Star Sunday says the Geordies' director of football, Joe Kinnear, has watched the Belgium international twice in the last month.

Any move for Vermaelen though will be a loan deal.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is reluctant to allow his club captain to leave on a permanent basis midway through the campaign.

 For the big stories and the banter follow us on Twitter: @tribalfootball