Newcastle United are eager to prioritise a move for Scott McTominay, but much will depend on the finances and Manchester United’s stance.
According to Calciomercatoweb, Newcastle United are eager to explore a move for Scott McTominay during the January transfer window. The transfer may hit complications following the 26-year-old Manchester United star’s rising form, and his club’s take on selling directly to a top-four rival.
Eddie Howe has always admired Scott McTominay, as Newcastle United were heavy favourites to make a move for the 26-year-old Manchester United star during the summer window. Instead, the Magpies went on to spend £55 million towards Sandro Tonali, with the midfielder now banned for 10 months following an illegal betting controversy.
The Italian’s fate has brought Howe back to the drawing board, as replacing Tonali seems very important to maintain balance in the squad. There have been reports pointing towards FFP regulations and that the Magpies may only sign someone on loan. Things might change depending on who’s available in the market.
There have been rumours about signing Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal, with the Portuguese midfielder reportedly keen on the move. Other options like Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios and on-loan Empoli midfielder Razvan Marin are also on their list.
However, the name of McTominay keeps repeating in the media, with a recent report suggesting Newcastle United could prioritise a move for the 26-year-old Manchester United star. Despite Howe’s apparent interest in the Scotland international, any move will appear complicated from many angles.
For starters, Manchester United would want £40 million or more, as per some reports. Secondly, his improved form has increased McTominay’s importance for Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman now using him quite regularly.
Whether the Magpies have that kind of money to spend on a midfielder in January remains the question. If they do manage to splash on the 26-year-old Manchester United star, what would it mean for Tonali’s future, with the midfielder set to return at the start of next season?
More importantly, there is the question of Manchester United selling an important player to a direct rival. The Magpies are set to compete with the Red Devils for a top-four place as things stand, something that would bother club chiefs and especially ten Hag.
On paper, McTominay would come across as an impressive addition to this Newcastle side; a transfer does not appear straightforward. Much will depend on the player’s wish as well, and his game time between now and January will determine his stance on the move.
