Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie believes that Newcastle will look to sign a ‘real class midfielder’ to their ranks next summer.
Newcastle went into the international break in tenth place with just one defeat in their first seven fixtures.
However, the Magpies have had their struggles in front of goal, leaving them without a win in the Premier League since the opening weekend of the campaign.
The Toon have only managed one goal from open play through their last three games and their eight-goal tally is the joint-lowest in the top half of the table.
Jonjo Shelvey’s absence has restricted Bruno Guimaraes’ ability to roam forward with the Brazilian yet to register a goal or assist this term.
Having seen multiple bids for James Maddison rejected in the summer, it is evident that Eddie Howe would like to add some creativity to his team and Downie is expecting them to revisit a deal for a playmaker at the end of the season.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Next summer, I think they’ll then be looking to add a real class midfielder to come in and complement the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in there.
“I think they definitely need someone in that position as well.”
Downie’s comments could suggest instead that PIF are looking to bring in a deep-lying midfielder, despite Football Insider reporting that Newcastle will once again test Leicester’s resolve in January by tabling another Maddison bid.
Shelvey has been lauded for his “turnaround” in form since Howe’s arrival by former West Ham man Frank McAvennie, but his contract is expiring at the end of the campaign.
That would leave a gap for the club to fill at the no.6 position and having invested considerably in both defence and attack in the summer, it does seem like the next area to improve for Eddie Howe to continue his Newcastle project.
