Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that Newcastle United are plotting a move for a young central midfielder towards the end of the window.
Newcastle have made three signings this summer in Nick Pope, Sven Botman, and Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, but they have been heavily linked with several other players such as Lucas Paqueta and Anthony Gordon.
Last season, the Magpies had a season of two halves as they sat in the bottom three at the start of 2022, but after some great additions in January, they turned their season around and managed to finish 11th in the Premier League.
As the Magpies have only made defensive additions to their squad so far this summer, Talbot spoke to GiveMeSport and said that they are willing to spend on a young central midfielder before the transfer window ends.
He said: “There’s been some murmurs about a central midfielder [at Newcastle].
“They’re looking for a very young talent and if there’s one available, who can come in for a little bit of money, they’d do that towards the end of the window.”
Do you think Newcastle need a new midfielder?Yes
No
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TIF Thoughts on Talbot’s comments…
In January, Eddie Howe brought in Bruno Guimaraes to St James’ Park, and the Brazilian was one of the main players to have an impact on the side, as he had the second-highest average player rating in the squad (as per SofaScore) and chipped in with five goals and one assist in 17 league games – but Talbot has claimed that they still want to add another central midfielder.
It may have been expected that the Magpies would make wholesale changes this summer, but instead, they have been steady, as Howe might feel that the additions he made in January, mixed with a few new faces this summer will be enough for them to have a successful season next term.
However, it would perhaps not be too surprising if Newcastle felt they could upgrade on someone like Jonjo Shelvey, who may have been somewhat overshadowed by the form of Guimaraes and compatriot Joelinton in the Toon midfield.