Newcastle United could look to add a midfielder of Conor Gallagher’s to the squad on a loan deal if one becomes available this summer.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest potential transfer business at St James’ Park during the final days of the transfer window.
Eddie Howe has added Real Sociedad and Sweden striker Alexander Isak to his squad for a fee in the region of £60m this summer, potentially freeing up the club to look at potential midfield additions before the transfer window’s closure.
Newcastle United have four senior first-team options who could play in the middle of the park this season as a result of Jonjo Shelvey’s pre-season injury ruling the 30-year-old out for a reported 12 weeks.
And Downie, who was speaking before Isak’s switch to Newcastle was confirmed, believes that the club will look to sign a midfielder like Gallagher on loan this summer if one becomes available.
Downie said: “He [Howe] has been at pains to say that’s not the priority [signing a midfielder] because even before the slight concern over [Callum] Wilson, they needed another forward, whereas I think they could just about cope with the midfield four they’ve got at the moment, plus the young lad Elliot Anderson.
“They could just about cope with that, but I think if the right player came up and was available, they would take him.
“I think if a Conor Gallagher or someone of that ilk became available on loan, I think they would augment their squad with that if they could.”
TIF Thoughts on Downie’s comments…
Conor Gallagher, who has been hailed as ‘special’, didn’t have the best of games this weekend as he was sent off for a challenge against Leicester City.
We believe that Newcastle fans will turn their attention to demanding the signing of a midfielder now that Isak’s transfer is completed, and will therefore be delighted to hear of Downie’s comments.
The club already have an impressive array of talent in midfield including Brazilian duo Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, but the club could do with adding another body in the middle of the park.
We therefore think that if somebody like Gallagher, who has regular Premier League experience, becomes available on loan, then the club should look towards making a move for a midfielder.