NEWCASTLE are planning a summer bid for Manchester United ace Scott McTominay, reports suggest.
That is according to the Telegraph, who report that Eddie Howe believes McTominay as can add a greater physical presence to his midfield.
Howe is also confident the Scotland international would compliment Bruno Guimaraes by shielding the back-four while the Brazilian adds creativity further up the pitch.
The Toon tried to sign the 26-year-old in January but United refused to sell to a direct Premier League rival.
However, Newcastle are now confident the Red Devils’ resolve will soften as manager Erik ten Hag will need to raise funds as he continues his Old Trafford rebuild.
McTominay is not the glamorous name Toon fans had in mind after their £300million Saudi-led takeover in 2021 but chief scout Steve Nickson, director of football Dan Ashworth and Howe are big fans.
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The Tyneside giants need a defensive midfielder after losing Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest and the manager prefers to sign players with Premier League experience.
Plus, the Magpies are pushing for a Champions League finish and would need McTominay’s experience in Europe.
The United academy graduate has played in the Champions League and Europa League but has fallen down the pecking order behind Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Fred and Marcel Sabitzer.
And McTominay could be keen to move to a club like Newcastle who want to give him a key role with more opportunities at top level.
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The United ace would add muscle in midfield and an extra threat at set-pieces.
It is also believed that McTominay is also the kind of player who could dramatically improve under Howe’s coaching.
The midfielder has only managed two goals and one assist in 32 matches across all competitions this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
