Newcastle United will seemingly be forced back into the transfer market in January.
Indeed, despite Newcastle making Sandro Tonali one of the most expensive signings in their history this summer, his ban from football has complicated midfield matters.
Even before the news surrounding Tonali broke, there were suggestions Eddie Howe was keen on a new midfielder.
So many names were linked during the summer. One of those was Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
The 26-year-old is reportedly rated by Howe, there has been an update on where the Scotland international stands with Newcastle.
Scott McTominay: Newcastle transfer latest
Indeed, according to the Daily Telegraph, there is a pretty big stumbling block in place.
Those at Old Trafford are reportedly asking for too much money for their academy graduate, even despite his lack of regular game time.
In fact, the price is also said to be putting off other Premier League clubs, though the report does not specify exactly what that is.
Newcastle transfer news: Time to move onto other options
January is a short month and Newcastle are already having to react given the Tonali news.
The winter window is also a notoriously hard period from which to extract value for money, complicating matters even further.
With that in mind, it would make little sense haggling. If Man United are prepared to potentially price themselves out of a deal that would represent pure profit on their balance sheets, then so be it.
There are plenty of other options, namely Kalvin Phillips.
Given the expectations on Howe this season, it will be imperative for any January signing to hit the ground running. Rather than engage in a long negotiation war with Man United and wasting time, it is surely easier just to move onto another target.
Do not give Man United what they want…
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