Premier League side Newcastle United are currently keeping an eye on Middlesbrough's Marcus Tavernier as one of the players on their shortlist, according to the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for Chris Wilder's men this term, both for the 54-year-old and predecessor Neil Warnock as he's managed to establish himself as a key player at the Riverside.

Usually operating as a winger before this season, Wilder's formation change has meant he's played as more of a central midfielder alongside the likes of Matt Crooks and Jonny Howson, playing in all but two of the Teesside club's 25 league games during the 2021/22 campaign so far.

In their quest for top-flight survival, the Magpies have reportedly listed the former England youth international as one player they like, with Eddie Howe's men also thought to be pursuing another EFL star midfielder in Huddersfield Town's Lewis O'Brien.

However, they may face competition from league rivals Leeds United for not just O'Brien, but also Tavernier's signature too with Marcelo Bielsa currently on the prowl for more depth in midfield, as they also continue to monitor Reading's John Swift.

Tavernier, who has also been the subject of interest from Brighton, Burnley and Southampton in the past, signed a new three-and-a-half deal in January 2020 to keep him at the club until 2023.

But he is yet to sign fresh terms at the Riverside, with interest in his services unlikely to cease until he puts pen to paper on a new extension.

The Verdict:

Boro fans probably shouldn't be too worried about this link at this stage - because the Magpies are likely to go for those that already have plenty of Premier League experience under their belt in their mission to stay afloat in the league and as of yet - the 22-year-old doesn't have that.

Their links to England international Kieran Trippier reinforce this likely transfer strategy - and in their short-term bid to survive - they are likely to save the high-profile signings of EFL players until the summer.

There's every chance they could enter the race for the midfielder at that point - so the second-tier side will probably have a six-month window in which they need to get him tied down to a longer-term deal.

He looks destined to play in the top flight - but under manager Wilder with a real chance of getting back to the top tier at the end of the season - it wouldn't be a surprise to see him commit his future to his current side.

However, his representatives will look to negotiate the best possible terms for him and provide the Englishman with an exit route if they fail to win promotion, so a release clause may be included in any new deal he signs.