Newcastle United are prioritising the addition of a central midfielder for Eddie Howe’s squad at St. James’ Park this month, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has told GiveMeSport.
The Magpies are looking for reinforcements as they aim to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Newcastle transfer news – Midfielder
As per The Athletic, Howe is looking to add another midfielder to his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, with Leicester City and Belgium’s Youri Tielemans being namechecked as someone of interest.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph has backed up the report from The Athletic, suggesting that the Magpies are looking to sign a playmaker who could come in the form of the 25-year-old Foxes star or Brighton & Hove Albion and Ecuador starlet Moisés Caicedo.
At the end of December, The Daily Mail credited Howe’s side with potential interest in Chelsea’s Jorginho, who is now in the last six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, hinting that the club are honing in on midfield targets this month.
And Downie has recently told GiveMeSport that the Tyneside club have enquired about bringing in Manchester United’s Scott McTominay on a loan deal until the end of the season which has been pushed back by the Red Devils.
The journalist has confirmed, that following an injury setback to Jonjo Shelvey, Howe will look to prioritise the addition of a midfielder this month.
What has Downie said about Newcastle?
Downie told GiveMeSport: “I think the priority has changed in the last few weeks, probably since we last spoke. The priority above all at the moment is to add a central midfielder.
“With Jonjo Shelvey coming back, that softened the blow and lessened the need for a central midfielder. But now he’s for another couple of months and there are question marks over his long-term future, his injury record and the fact he’s had two injuries already when he’s not played this season. It will take him a while to get up to speed after having had both injuries.
“Without a doubt, they need a new holding midfielder in there.”
What next for Newcastle?
Any midfielder who joins Newcastle knows that they will have to compete with Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock for a regular spot in the starting XI for Howe’s side.
The Magpies are enjoying a fantastic season at the time of writing, having fired themselves into a Champions League as we reach the halfway point of the Premier League campaign.
Therefore, Howe will know that he doesn’t need to change too much about his current side and any additions must be made to improve the already impressive state of the squad.
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