Newcastle United have held talks with Manchester United over Scott McTominay, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. The Magpies initially enquired about the possibility of a move in the January window, but the reporter confirmed that any potential transfer would only happen at the end of the season.
Newcastle Exploring the Possibility of Signing Scott McTominay
🚨 Chelsea very likely to sign up for Premier League pre-season tournament in USA. Not confirmed but organisers hope #CFC will be ‘big 6’ representatives they wanted. Tottenham also considering chance. Event plans still being finalised @TheAthleticFC #THFC https://t.co/aSnuYBWwx6
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 23, 2023
Manchester United Reluctant to Let Midfielder Leave in This Window
Ornstein also reported that sources have ruled out any possibility of a January switch as it would leave the Red Devils with little time to find a replacement. Erik ten Hag also considers the enforcer a crucial member of a squad that is directly challenging Newcastle to cement a Champions League position.
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It is very plausible that McTominay will make the switch further up north as his minutes have been somewhat limited so far this season. Ten Hag has often preferred new signings Casemiro and Christian Eriksen as the double pivot in his 4-2-3-1 formation.
The 26-year-old has only started seven of Manchester United’s 19 league games this term, but he produced a spirited performance in the recent 3-2 loss to title-chasing Arsenal with Casemiro suspended.
Eddie Howe Is a Big Admirer and Keen to Add Squad Depth
Ornstein added that Newcastle’s interest in the Scottish midfielder began last summer but talks remain in the preliminary stages and are stalled until the summer.
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Manager Eddie Howe is on the hunt for a new midfielder and is impressed by McTominay’s “athleticism and ball-carrying ability.” The English coach has exhausted the midfield trio of Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes this campaign as he is searching for some much-needed depth for a side that looks destined for European football in some form next season.
So, although McTominay isn’t the solution to the Toon’s current problem, he remains a viable and attainable option for the future.
Financial Fair Play Will Force Manchester United Sales in the Summer
Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic reported that due to Financial Fair Play regulations, Manchester United need to make sales to afford the cost of improving their squad in the summer as a consequence of overspending and underselling in recent years. Therefore, it would be logical for the club to sell assets, such as McTominay, who are on the periphery of the squad.
Newcastle’s new ownership have already shown their muscle in the transfer market having spent £210 million on eight players since the takeover in late 2021, and the midfielder would be a welcome addition.
