ALBION star Dan Burn has been linked with a move to Newcastle United as they look to strengthen their defence.

The Magpies are desperate to improve their squad under their new Saudi owners.

The club was taken over by the Public Investment Fund this season and the new owners will be determined to steer the club clear of the relegation zone.

Newcastle currently sit in 18th in the Premier League, one point off safety but they have played more games than Burnley and Watford who are below them in the table.

One of the biggest issues with Eddie Howe's squad has been the quality of defenders. Newcastle have the second-worst defensive record in the league having conceded 43 goals in 21 Premier League games.

The club have been linked with many defenders as they try to improve such as Sevilla's Deigo Carlos, West Ham's Issa Diop but are now believed to be targetting Albion's towering defender Burn.

This is according to football journalist Pete O'Rouke who has heard that the Magpies are "lining up a move" for the 29-year-old.

O'Rouke said: "Hearing Newcastle are lining up a move for Brighton defender Dan Burn as they continue their pursuit for defensive reinforcements."

Burn was born in Blyth which is only 13 miles from Newcastle, and grew up as a club fan.