Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Concerned Man Utd star green lights shock Newcastle switch if ‘perfect’ Chelsea raid falls through

Man Utd stars Diogo Dalot, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho and Fred

Man Utd stars Diogo Dalot, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho and Fred

Ally McCoist has backed a Chelsea star to become a instant favourite if signed by Newcastle, though a report reckons Eddie Howe could sign a ‘worried’ Man Utd star as a shock alternative.

The Magpies have wasted little time turning the traditional ‘big six’ into a ‘big seven’. Newcastle current lay third in the table and show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Indeed, they’ve won nine of their last 12 in the league and haven’t conceded in the EPL since the World Cup break.

A fierce defence has been the backbone to their success, with their mark of 11 goals conceded three better than table-toppers Arsenal. However, there’s clearly room for improvement at the other end of the pitch.

They’re the league’s sixth top scorers and have been heavily reliant on moments of magic from the likes of Miguel Almiron. As such, it’s come as no surprise to see the club linked with forward-thinking midfielders and attackers this month.

The Telegraph recently put Newcastle in the mix for a remarkable triple Chelsea coup. Box-to-box midfielders Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, as well as winger Hakim Ziyech are in their sights.

Chelsea are on yet another spending spree at present and need to shed players from their squad as a result. They must ditch two non-homegrown stars this month to simply register Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix and Mykhaylo Mudryk in their Champions League squad.

That could aid a Magpies move for Ziyech, though it’s Conor Gallagher who has seen a move talked up.

Speaking to talkSPORT, pundit and commentator, Ally McCoist, labelled the all-action 22-year-old as the “perfect” addition for Eddie Howe.

Gallagher tailor-made for Newcastle?

“Conor Gallagher is the type of player I think Newcastle would be going for,” said McCoist.

“Young, hungry… I think that would make a [great] signing and the way he plays the game, I think the Newcastle fans would absolutely take to him.

“He’s high energy, great effort… perfect.”

Gallagher rose to prominence last season during a season-long loan at Crystal Palace. His performances were of a high enough standard to catch Gareth Southgate’s eye who handed Gallagher his senior England debut during the campaign.

Palace are understood to harbour hopes of signing Gallagher once again this month, though outright, rather than on another loan.

However, Newcastle could scupper their plans, with the midfielder a ‘long-term’ target of head of recruitment, Steve Nickson.

Man Utd raid a genuine possibility

In the event Graham Potter shuts down a Gallagher exit, the Telegraph added a move for Man Utd’s Scott McTominay could quickly ramp up.

The Scotland international has been marginalised this season following the arrival of the imperious Casemiro.

What’s more, it was Fred – not McTominay – who was selected to partner Casemiro against Man City when Christian Eriksen was pushed further forward.

On the subject of United, here are the five big issues for Ten Hag to next address.

Newcastle have reportedly ‘expressed an interest’ in signing the 26-year-old after learning he’s ‘worried’ about his lack of game-time.

McTominay is deemed ‘open’ to moving to St James’ Park and Newcastle will waste no time making their move if given the slightest encouragement by Man Utd.

Such a move would be a shock given both clubs are direct rivals this season. They’re both in the mix for top four and if Arsenal slip, could wind up being title contenders.

As such, a McTominay move to Newcastle which would undoubtedly strengthen Howe’s side would have to be carefully considered by Ten Hag.

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