Reported Newcastle loan target Billy Gilmour would put Jonjo Shelvey under serious pressure – opinion

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According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are interested in signing Billy Gilmour on loan from Chelsea.

The Magpies have reportedly enquired about the Scottish midfielder, as well as Tammy Abraham.

Of course, they will only be able to sign one of the two on loan.

A move for Abraham will surely be too difficult. The striker is out of favour at Stamford Bridge, and seems set to leave this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, he is resigned to leaving Chelsea.

However, his £40million price tag will put him out of our reach. And a permanent move rather than another loan seems better suited to both parties.

But a loan move for Gilmour seems much more achievable. And he could be the Jonjo Shelvey replacement some fans are craving.

Gilmour could be perfect loan addition for Newcastle

The 19-year-old has impressed during his limited first-team appearances at Chelsea. He would have played even more had it not been for injury.

Gilmour certainly impressed his former manager Frank Lampard, who tipped him to be a ‘huge player’ for Chelsea.

The youngster operates in a deep midfield role, and is capable of transitioning the play from defence to attack.

That is exactly what Shelvey’s role is at Newcastle. However, his influence has somewhat waned in recent years.

As time has gone by, Shelvey has become far less influential possession. Meanwhile, he is often criticised for his work off the ball.

But despite fan concerns, Shelvey is a constant figure under Steve Bruce.

He has no competition in the role he plays, but that would change if Gilmour arrived.

The midfielder could play alongside Shelvey. However, in the system we ended the season with, Gilmour seems perfectly suited to the number eight’s role.

There would be a disadvantage though, as Gilmour is so highly rated at Chelsea that we would likely have no chance of ever signing him permanently.

But with money set to be tight this summer, we just have to take what we can get.

Newcastle fans should be able to get a closer look at Gilmour this summer, especially when Scotland face England on June 18th.

Despite boasting zero caps, he is part of the Scotland squad for the delayed Euros.

Whether he performs at the Euros or not, Gilmour would be a fantastic addition on loan for Newcastle.