Newcastle are "looking closely" at Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Eddie Howe's side are still unbeaten in the Premier League, but the Magpies boss could be without Jonjo Shelvey for three months, which could prompt him to sign a midfielder before the window closes.

What's the latest news involving McTominay?

With Shelvey's pre-season hamstring injury possibly keeping him out until after the World Cup, Howe is targeting a move for McTominay, whose place at United is likely to come under threat following the arrival of Casemiro.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

According to talkSPORT, McTominay is on Newcastle's radar, although they face competition from Premier League rivals Everton, Leicester and West Ham.

McTominay, who still has just under three years remaining of his £60,000 per-week Old Trafford contract, has made more than 170 appearances for his boyhood club, but the signing of Casemiro could reduce his game-time quite significantly.

As a result, Jones reckons that Howe is watching the Scotland international closely as he weighs up whether to add another midfielder to his squad.

What did Jones say about McTominay?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Yeah there is no doubt that McTominay has a few clubs looking at him.

"I know Newcastle are looking at this one closely as they contemplate adding one more midfielder to the squad. West Ham will come in for him too if he genuinely is available."

How does McTominay compare to Newcastle's other midfielders?

According to WhoScored, McTominay outperformed all of the Mapgies' midfielders last season besides Bruno Guimaraes, who made a massive impact at St James' Park following his January arrival.

His rating was 6.89, which was better than makeshift midfielder, Joelinton (6.82), Joe Willock (6.58), Shelvey (6.57), Isaac Hayden (6.44) and Sean Longstaff (6.39), which suggests that he would be an upgrade on what Newcastle have already got.

McTominay only scored once and registered one assist in the Premier League and has struggled to contribute from midfield, registering just 16 goals and four assists in five years.

But the Scot was generally consistent in doing what he does best, averaging 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes, 2.0 clearances, 1 interception and 1 dribble every time he took to the pitch.

Therefore, with Newcastle light in midfield after Shelvey's injury, McTominay would be a decent replacement and add depth to their engine room.