Arsenal and Newcastle to scrap for Ipswich defender Tyrone Mings

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make a January move for Ipswich Town starlet Tyrone Mings, in an attempt to beat rivals Arsenal, who are 22/1 with Coral to lift the Champions League, to his signature.

The managerless Magpies are rumoured to have their eye on the talented 21-year-old defender, who is currently embroiled in a promotion battle for Mick McCarthy’s men, and could swoop now rather than face a transfer tug of war in summer.

Arsene Wenger is also believed to be keen on luring highly-rated youngster Mings though, and could still challenge the Tyneside team this winter.

The Gunners have a strong core of young English talent at the club already, including the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Theo Walcott, all of whom were plucked from Southampton’s production line.

Like Chambers, Mings is a versatile full back who is tipped to be converted into a centre half in the future. A potential pairing of the two, who still need developing, could be promising, with Ings’ strength and power a fine contrast to Chambers’ ability on the ball.

Unlike his Arsenal peer, however, Mings was released by the Saints back in 2009, after emerging from their famed academy.

Previously judged for being too slight and small, the Tractor Boys left back now stands at an imposing 6ft 5in, and has been one of the Championship’s top defensive performers this term, making 23 appearances, keeping seven clean sheets and providing four assists.

Still to earn an England call-up at any level, Mings has supposedly recently been watched by scouts from the FA, so a future Three Lions call-up looks likely.

Before his stock rises any further, Premier League clubs could steal in and pluck the star from McCarthy’s grasp. However, the Ipswich boss is apparently keen to keep his top asset at all costs.