Newcastle United have reportedly asked Manchester United about signing Scott McTominay during the January transfer window.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who has told Give Me Sport that the Magpies recently made an enquiry for the 26-year-old.
The Scotland international has been linked with a move to St James’ Park during the past two transfer windows, with a summer move failing to come to fruition.
McTominay is a rumoured target once again, with Eddie Howe keen to sign a midfielder this month. The Toon boss wants someone who can play the ‘number six’ role, with Jonjo Shelvey facing another spell on the sidelines with injury.
The likes of Youri Tielemans and Moises Caicedo have been linked, while McTominay is also on Newcastle’s radar. It has been claimed that Howe wants someone with Premier League experience.
McTominay certainly has that, but The Athletic recently stated that he would likely be too expensive for the Magpies, and now Keith Downie has provided some fresh information on Newcastle’s interest.
Downie provides update on Newcastle wanting Scott McTominay
The Sky Sports reporter has been speaking to Give Me Sport, and discussed Howe’s bid to bring in a new centre midfielder.
“The one thing they’ve got in common [McTominay, Tielemans and Caicedo] is they’ve all played in the Premier League,” Downie said.
“I think there was an enquiry made for McTominay recently, perhaps even on loan, but I don’t think Man United want to do it.”
No way Man United will do us a favour
Downie thinks that Newcastle might have asked to loan McTominay, and if that is the case then it is no surprise that Manchester United said no.
They did not want to do us any favours this time last year, when Howe was very keen to sign Jesse Lingard on loan. The Red Devils ruthlessly blocked his exit, despite the fact he was not playing at all.
Fast forward to January 2023, and Man United have even less of a reason to help the Magpies out. Newcastle are currently above them in the Premier League table, and are genuine rivals for Champions League qualification.
The two teams could also meet in the Carabao Cup final next month, appearing on opposite sides of the semi final draw.
It was pretty clear last year that Man United did not want to help Newcastle. We are now seen as a genuine threat, and that threat has only loomed larger over the past 12 months.
McTominay might be on Newcastle’s radar, but there are plenty of reasons why he is seemingly not on his way to St James’ Park. And one of those reasons could be Man United’s desire to stop the Magpies ousting them as one of English football’s top clubs.
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