---
title: "Newcastle: Keith Downie shares big transfer development"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-scott-mctominay-conor-gallagher-transfer-gossip-news-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Follow up"
published: "2022-08-21T19:45:44Z"
modified: "2022-08-21T19:45:44Z"
---

# Newcastle: Keith Downie shares big transfer development

**[Newcastle United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/) are ‘looking at’ the possibility of signing a midfielder this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.**

### The lowdown: Shelvey injury

Following the cruel injury suffered to Jonjo Shelvey which has [ruled the Englishman out](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11092813/Newcastle-suffer-huge-blow-Jonjo-Shelvey-facing-12-WEEKS-undergoing-hamstring-surgery.html) for the first half of the 2023/23 campaign, the Magpies are somewhat lacking in the midfield department.

The 30-year-old suffered a hamstring tear during pre-season and his absence has left Eddie Howe with [only](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/newcastle-united/kader/verein/762) Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and transformed ex-striker Joelinton as central midfield options.

As a result, one well-informed onlooker has now stated that Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth could be set to re-enter the transfer market for another possible signing…

### The latest: ‘Looking at that position’

Speaking to [GiveMeSport,](https://www.givemesport.com/88048747-newcastle-keith-downie-now-hints-at-major-move-at-st-james-park) Sky Sports’  [northeast reporter](https://twitter.com/SkySports_Keith?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) Downie claimed that the Magpies are considering the addition of a central midfielder to the ranks before the September 1 deadline passes.

He said: “Just from the noises that I’m hearing in the background, I think they are now actually looking at that position as a result of Shelvey’s injury.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”389224″\]

### The verdict: Options available

Going into the campaign with only the aforementioned options would be a huge risk for Howe, particularly with the likes of an unproven Elliot Anderson (at [top-flight level](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/elliot-anderson/detaillierteleistungsdaten/spieler/567576), at least) as a backup to the frontline quartet.

As such, Newcastle – who have been linked with [Scott McTominay](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/man-utd-transfer-news-mctominay-premier-league/) and [Conor Gallagher](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/08/16/exclusive-newcastle-united-interested-chelsea-quartet-including/https:/www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/08/16/exclusive-newcastle-united-interested-chelsea-quartet-including/) recently – must act to bolster the ranks at St James’ Park before the summer transfer window closes.

Both of those have been [blooded in the Premier League](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/vergleich/spielervergleich/statistik/def/spieler/315969&488362) and would therefore be ready-made to slot into the Tynesiders’ starting XI, ideal for a team looking to build on a strong end to last season.