Elliot Anderson is reportedly a target for multiple Championship clubs who are keen to sign the Newcastle youngster on loan.
That is according to the Chronicle, who have named four second tier sides that are keen on bringing in the 20-year-old midfielder this month.
They state that Birmingham City, Luton Town, Preston North End and Reading have all shown an interest in signing Anderson on loan during the January transfer window.
The academy graduate has had a mixed season so far, with first-team opportunities limited. He has started just two games, and they both came in the early stages of the Carabao Cup.
Anderson, who has been described as ‘unbelievable‘ by Callum Wilson, has been afforded minutes off the bench in the Premier League and has looked lively, particularly in draws with Wolves and Crystal Palace.
He has also struggled with injuries this season. Combine that with Newcastle’s scintillating form and it hasn’t been easy for Anderson to get the senior football he craves.
This comes after he excelled in pre-season, so much so that Eddie Howe decided against loaning him out. The Toon boss chose to keep Anderson around instead, and that is despite a plethora of clubs looking to sign him after his Bristol Rovers heroics.
He was a revelation under Joey Barton last season after moving to the then League Two side on loan in January.
Now Anderson might have the opportunity to make a similar move in January 2022 – this time to the Championship. However, a few things will need to fall into place first.
Eddie Howe will want a replacement before letting Elliot Anderson go out on loan
Part of the reason Howe kept Anderson at the start of the season was due to the difficulty Newcastle were having in the transfer market. Attacking reinforcements proved hard to come by, forcing Howe to keep the talented youngster around.
Fast forward to January and Anderson’s future might depend on incomings again. Newcastle are already light in the middle of the park, with Jonjo Shelvey out for the next two months.
That is why the Magpies are keen to sign a midfielder this month, with the likes of Youri Tielemans and Moises Caicedo linked.
Getting someone in will prove difficult. And if the club can’t get anyone, it is hard to envision Anderson being allowed to leave on loan.
Unless we sign a replacement, Anderson is most likely going nowhere.
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