When the recruitment team at Newcastle United decide upon a player, they appear ready to wait to sign them.
Indeed, both Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon were tracked the window before they actually signed, such is the well-planned nature of recruitment at Newcastle.
As a result, players are consistently linked with a move to St James’ Park.
James Maddison, after all, was the subject of bids last summer and is again being touted as a leading target for the club.
Which brings us to a certain Scott McTominay.
The Manchester United midfielder has reportedly been tracked for months and recent reports suggest there has been a development.
Scott McTominay could be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer
According to the Daily Mail, the Scotland international could indeed be allowed to depart his boyhood club this summer.
Previous reports had suggested the 26-year-old was unsettled at Old Trafford given his lack of regular game time and had held talks with Erik ten Hag over his future.
The issue, however, looks one of his price tag.
It is claimed Man United are looking for in excess of £30m, which could be too much for Newcastle to firm up their interest.
Man United won’t do Newcastle any favours
Unless the Red Devils suddenly desperately need to sell, it’s unclear as to why they would do Newcastle much of a favour.
Eddie Howe is reportedly a big fan of McTominay – an individual Jose Mourinho once hailed as “special – so the idea of those at Old Trafford willingly giving a Champions League rival a player they desire on a deal not to their liking is surely fanciful at best.
With little about Newcastle’s recruitment policy since the takeover suggesting they are prepared to go above their own valuations, the McTominay chase looks at something of a stalemate.
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