Newcastle consider January bid for ‘world class’ 26-year-old, Harvey Barnes knows him well

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Newcastle United could turn to a former teammate of Harvey Barnes as they search for a Sandro Tonali replacement heading into the January transfer window.

The Magpies are going to be without Sandro Tonali until August 2024 after the midfielder was banned for betting. However, he is allowed to continue training with Eddie Howe’s side.

It leaves Newcastle a midfielder light for the rest of the season, and that is even more challenging right now with Elliot Anderson out injured.

There has been talk that Tonali’s suspension will result in Lewis Miley getting more minutes, but you have to imagine the club will look into the possibility of bringing someone more senior in.

And that could lead to a move for a midfielder who Harvey Barnes used to play alongside at Leicester City.

Newcastle interested in Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are one of multiple Premier League clubs that are considering a January move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

The report states that Tottenham, Aston Villa are also keen on the 26-year-old. He also has interest from further afield, with Ndidi boasting suitors in Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Lyon and Monaco.

Ndidi has made 12 Championship appearances for the Foxes so far, after they were relegated last season.

That led to them losing some of their star players, including Barnes who moved to Newcastle.

Now he could be reunited with Ndidi, who could be a smart signing by Eddie Howe for the second half of the season.

Ndidi could be a smart addition by Newcastle

Firstly, he has that Premier League experience that the Newcastle manager craves. That would result in a shorter settling in period.

Secondly, his Leicester contract is due to expire at the end of the season, which means he could be available for a bargain fee. That would be handy for Newcastle, who are currently limited by financial fair play.

There is also the added bonus that Ndidi is a different style of player to Tonali, which means he could still be useful once the Italy international returns from his ban next year.

It sounds like Ndidi could be a good fit at St James’ Park, and Brendan Rodgers’ previous comments on the Nigerian suggest he could really enhance his game under Howe.

The now Celtic boss previously described Ndidi as a ‘world class learner‘, which should mean he is fully equipped to adapt to Howe’s style of play and be a hit in black and white.