Newcastle should sell midfield duo and sign Kalvin Phillips as replacement

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As January approaches, Newcastle must take stock of who to sell, and who to buy, with surely Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung Yueng near the top of the ‘to go’ list.

If Newcastle could offload the struggling pair, they should make a bold attempt to lure Leeds’ 23-year-old star Kalvin Phillips to St James’ Park.

He would be an expensive signing, but having reportedly been interested in the player in the summer, they could generate most of the cash needed, without dipping into the budget alleged to be available.

Selling Shelvey and Ki, while also cashing in on Dwight Gayle, should bring Newcastle around £30-35 million, which would surely be enough to fund a deal for the highly-rated midfielder.

Ideally, they could also use the remaining budget to bring in Jarrod Bowen from Hull, who we are reported to have a long-standing interest in.

It would drastically bring the age of the squad down, while even at their high valuations, would represent the type of player Mike Ashley likes – those who will have a high sell-on value in years to come.

It would finally show an ambitious statement of intent

It would be an audacious move by the Magpies, particularly given there is claimed to be rival interest from Premier League big guns Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as a host of other clubs.

But Newcastle need to make bold statements, and if they truly want to back the manager, these are the type of talented youngsters they should be looking to sign.

Newcastle could also offer Phillips a genuine first-team opportunity, particularly if Bruce abandons his back five for a back four, and an extra body in midfield.

As much as Matty Longstaff has done well, he is not yet the long-term answer, but imagine a midfield three of Isaac Hayden alongside Sean Longstaff, with Kalvin Phillips in a slightly deeper role behind them.

It is a mouth-watering prospect, and would have an average age of just over 22.

That could be the backbone of our side for years to come, and an initial outlay of around £30m would soon multiply significantly – and that should be music to Ashley’s ears.