The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly tracking Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Midfield cover needed

The St. James' Park outfit are in need of some extra cover in the middle of the park, following the news of Bruno Guimaraes' latest injury setback.

Jonjo Shelvey is also not expected to return from his thigh injury until the middle of October, and will need time to integrate himself back into the squad and get back up to full fitness.

The Latest: Alvarez tracked

As per The Athletic, Alvarez is now being 'tracked' by the North East club, with a view to a potential move in the January transfer window.

Leicester City star Youri Tielemans has long been courted and also remains of interest, and so the Tynesiders could yet pull off an exciting double swoop in 2023.

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The Verdict: Get Alvarez in!

Alvarez is a player who would really elevate the quality of the Magpies' squad, should they be able to get a deal done in January.

Hailed as a 'monster' by The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas, the six-foot-two colossus has one goal and two assists in nine games so far this season (exceptional performance' in the 4-0 thrashing of Glasgow Rangers in the UEFA Champions League.

Nonetheless, adding him and Tielemans to their midfield options would really give Eddie Howe's side that strength in depth to take them to the next level.