Hello wise people.

I am looking to do a PHD. I know what universities are researching my area and have my eye on a lady who is actually moving to a uni in my town where i live currently in Jan 2018. She has done research on the topic (which is very new) in her own field, not mine. I was wondering if it's possible to approach her and someone from my own department to take me on in combination for a phd?

my main question, however is 'how do i go about getting the ball rolling'? Do i just email someone i like the look of, see if they are taking on PHD students, tell them a bit about my topic and then see if they "invite" me to make an application?

Also, my MA finishes in September. When would a potential PHD start, or is this negotiable?

Any general guidance is also welcome. Thanks!