‘Sustained’ Newcastle push to spring Man Utd signing, with two traits Eddie Howe loves to prompt improved role

A Newcastle move for a Man Utd star suffering under Erik ten Hag could succeed in the summer, with a report revealing four reasons why a deal that’ll greatly improve the player’s situation can be made.

Barring charges from the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelaea, Man Utd and Newcastle may both be in the draw for next season’s Champions League.

The Red Devils’ faint title aspirations took a dent when falling to a 3-2 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday. Newcastle, meanwhile, have been struggling for goals of late having been held to three 0-0 draws in their last five league encounters.

However, those below the pair are putting no pressure on Newcastle and Man Utd and one look at the table suggests they can easily absorb the odd setback. Indeed, the gap between fourth-placed Man Utd to Tottenham in fifth is a healthy six points.

Transfers between direct rivals who are competing for the same thing are rare in the Premier League. However, according to the Athletic, exactly that could transpire in the summer.

They report Newcastle have ‘held conversations’ over a January move for midfielder Scott McTominay. Man Utd have no intention of losing the Scot this month, though the situation may well change come season’s end thanks to four factors.

McTominay to Newcastle? Man Utd would benefit too

Firstly, the 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order following the twin arrivals of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. If he has genuine aspirations of once again becoming a regular starter, a move away will be required.

McTominay did get a rare league start against Arsenal on Sunday, though only because Casemiro was ruled out through suspension.

Secondly, Newcastle’s interest in McTominay has been around for some time and is described as being ‘sustained’. In other words, the Magpies like what they see and will continue to explore a move until they finally land their man.

Explaining why their appreciation is so high, the report notes manager Eddie Howe is behind the love.

Howe is seeking a new midfielder who’ll slot straight into his all-action midfield and is a huge fan of McTominay’s ‘athleticism and ball-carrying ability.’

The current options Howe generally favours – Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff – are all high intensity players. McTominay would mesh well with the energetic midfield Howe is forming.

What’s more, Howe’s heroics this season will may give him a greater say on transfer targets and it’s made clear he’s a huge admirer of McTominay.

Finally, there’s the sore subject of Man Utd’s restricted finances.

Ten Hag must sell to buy

The Telegraph’s James Ducker recently reported Man Utd will have to ‘sell well’ this summer if they’re to pursue the type of high profile targets they crave.

That could result in the sale of several first-team stars who aren’t that far from the starting eleven. The likes of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and McTominay would fit that billing.

The Athletic echo Ducker’s claims, adding the club’s financial difficulties will see them ‘re-evaluate’ a McTominay sale in the summer.

For the time being, Ten Hag will not entertain an exit with his side still going strong in four competitions.

But come the summer the situation may well change and a move to the north east could result in McTominay going from a squad player in Manchester to a regular starter at a Champions League contender.

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