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Newcastle United are one of four Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Derby County midfielder George Thorne, according to reports.

The Mirror say Newcastle, along with Everton, Norwich and Crystal Palace, are keen on the 22-year-old and with the January transfer window just around the corner, could Thorne reunite with his former boss?

Steve McClaren brought the former England youth international to Derby after impressing on loan from West Bromwich Albion 18 months ago, and while a number of injuries have hampered his progress, he’s now earned the plaudits and attention of the Premier League again.

Thorne cost County around £2.5m back in 2014 having spent time on loan at the club, as well as previous spells at Portsmouth, Peterborough and Watford and the Mirror say Everton boss Roberto Martinez sees him as a long-term replacement for Gareth Barry.

McClaren desperately needs to add to add to his squad in January with the club sat in the relegation zone and a number of players having already been sidelined through injury this term.

Some of the United head coach’s current crop could find action elsewhere when the transfer window opens and as such he will need to replenish – and more importantly add to – his ranks.