Pundit Tam McManus has claimed that reported transfer target Youri Tielemans would be a 'sensational' and 'tremendous' signing for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interested in Tielemans

As per The Telegraph, the 25-year-old is “of interest” to the St James' Park outfit, following a long-term injury to Jonjo Shelvey.

The latter is also out of contract in the summer, meaning that the Magpies have a decision to make as to whether they retain him or let him leave as a free agent.

If they decide to let him go, then they will need to bring in a replacement, either in this month's transfer window or in the summer.

The Latest: Tielemans move backed

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus has backed a potential move to Newcastle for Tielemans, even going as far as to claim that the Belgian would be a 'sensational' and 'tremendous' signing for Eddie Howe's side.

The 41-year-old said: “I think that’s a move he wants. I don’t see him signing a new contract at Leicester, that is clear now. He is only 25 years old, he is in or approaching the best years of his career.

“He has been at Leicester for a few years and done well, he’s become a Belgian international. He would be a great signing for Newcastle but I think there will be a lot of clubs looking at him.

“Tielemans would be a sensational signing for any of the top four clubs and Newcastle, right now, are up there.

“It’s going to boil down to finances, he will be looking for a big payday as a soon-to-be free agent. So if Newcastle can stick up the money then I think he would be a tremendous signing. It gives Newcastle another quality option when going forward.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer

To sign a player of Tielemans' quality and experience for a cut-price fee given his contract situation is surely a no-brainer for Newcastle in January.

Lauded by his manager Brendan Rodgers as an ‘outstanding player’ and ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’, the Leicester City star ranks in the 86th percentile for average blocks, 85th percentile for tackles and shot-creating actions, and 83rd percentile for passes attempted per game among his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year (FBRef).

Boasting plenty of Premier League experience already, the Belgian would be an ideal replacement for Shelvey, who is also five years Tielemans' senior.