Newcastle United have added Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to their list of midfield targets after the PIF green light ahead of January.
According to Team Talk, there’s an increased chance of Newcastle United signing one of the PIF-owned stars in January to solve their midfield problem. Now, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has emerged as a target for the Magpies, among other names, as Eddie Howe looks for a cost-effective solution to replace Sandro Tonali.
The Sandro Tonali ban has placed Newcastle United in a tricky position ahead of the January window. Having paid a premium to sign the Italian midfielder in the summer, Eddie Howe would have wanted to strengthen other areas of his squad, particularly the defence.
That may remain their objective ahead of the January window, but now the manager feels the need to bring in a replacement midfielder in that window. With FFP concerns looming big on the club, the Magpies may not have the necessary funds to bring a new star in Tonali’s place.
The club are thinking ahead and are considering signing someone on loan in January as opposed to a permanent arrival. Tonali will return for the new season, which negates the need to spend big. However, finding a temporary solution also comes with its challenges, namely from the selling club.
Howe may have wanted Scott McTominay, but Manchester United may or may not sell depending on the offer they receive. Some reports have already suggested they want £40 million or more for the Scotland international in light of his improving form.
However, a recent development in solving Newcastle’s troubles, the Saudi PIF have reportedly agreed to let them take one of their midfielders from the Saudi Pro League. These choices revolve around those players owned by the PIF, which may include N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, among others.
In the case of Neves, he’s reportedly open to joining Newcastle United, albeit temporarily. There are no news about the others included in that list, with Milinkovic-Savic also an interesting option for Howe if the Magpies can broker a deal.
As things stand, they are monitoring the 28-year-old midfield powerhouse ahead of the January window and could approach the PIF and his club, Al Hilal. Milinkovic-Savic, despite perennial links to the Premier League, made a £35 million move to Saudi Arabia during the summer after spending many years with Lazio over in Italy.
He can become a solid option for the Magpies, who are looking to balance their squad. Adding the 28-year-old midfield powerhouse could benefit them on multiple fronts, including the Champions League. Howe will want another top-four finish at the end of the season, which may prove difficult without another midfield addition in January.
