Newcastle United are now looking to sign a new central midfielder this summer as Jonjo Shelvey continues to recover from a hamstring injury, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
Eddie Howe has overseen a quiet summer at St James’ Park but new faces may still arrive ahead of the September 1 deadline.
What is the latest transfer news from Newcastle?
Three deals have been completed by the North East giants this summer with Sven Botman and Nick Pope arriving and Matt Targett penning a permanent deal.
Attacking recruits now appear to be the priority for Newcastle. The Telegraph reported this week that Howe is interested in Chelsea quartet Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja.
It comes after the club saw two offers rejected for Leicester City ace James Maddison, with the second bid worth around £50 million.
Watford frontman Joao Pedro is also an option, with Newcastle readying a second offer after their £20 million opener was rejected.
Meanwhile, reports have linked Newcastle with a move for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.
What has Downie said on their plans?
Downie understands that it is no longer just attacking recruits on Howe’s mind, with a new midfielder also now being targeted.
Shelvey picked up an injury during pre-season and is set to remain sidelined until after the World Cup.
Downie told GIVEMESPORT: “Just from the noises that I'm hearing in the background, I think they are now actually looking at that position as a result of Shelvey's injury.”
What happened to Shelvey?
Chronicle Live previously reported that the 30-year-old suffered nerve damage during Newcastle’s Eusebio Cup defeat to Benfica in pre-season.
Newcastle’s season has started with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest and a 0-0 draw with Brighton, but Shelvey is yet to play a part.
“We had a number of scans and opinions because we wanted to make the right call. It wasn’t a clear or simple injury,” Howe said ahead of the Seagulls clash.
“He’s had an operation and is expected to be out around 12 weeks. He was very disappointed obviously, he worked very hard in pre-season and looked in really good physical shape.”
The Athletic recently reported that Manchester United are willing to let James Garner leave for as little as £14 million this summer, with Everton, Southampton and Leeds interested. It will be interesting to see if Newcastle now join the race.