A report in the Times on Wednesday claim Tottenham are set to transfer list midfielder Eric Dier in January, as they look to transform their squad, and Newcastle should look to sign him.
The England midfielder has not had many chances at Spurs in recent times, and a move elsewhere would probably be the best solution for both the player and club.
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But with Newcastle struggling for numbers in midfield, largely to the loss of Mo Diame in the summer and the dreadful form of Jonjo Shelvey, a move for Dier could turn out to be a masterstroke by Steve Bruce.
Newcastle played both Longstaffs in the middle of the park against Manchester United, and while it worked perfectly, there is no guarantee that it will be the same every game, particularly given the tender age of both brothers.
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Dier is still only 25, and although he has not been named in the last two England squads, he did play in the Nations League Finals during the summer.
Both Longstaffs could learn from the international star, which would certainly help to improve their games too.
Dier in, Shelvey out would make sense for Newcastle
Newcastle are only an injury or two away from a midfield crisis. Bruce does not seem to have faith in Ki Sung Yueng – as was shown against Manchester United on Sunday – and Shelvey’s lack of form means he does not warrant another chance.
In fact, Shelvey should be sold in January, and any funds recouped from a deal should be used to further strengthen the position.
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A move for Dier would be a chance for the player to make a fresh start, and likely become a more regular starter than he is under Mauricio Pochettino.
Having Isaac Hayden and both Longstaffs already, bringing in a player like Dier would give Bruce so many more options for using different formations.
It remains to be seen what sort of valuation Tottenham would place on Dier, but surely anything around £15-18 million would make him a worthwhile acquisition.