Pundit Tam McManus 'can't believe' that Newcastle United have not made a move for reported transfer target Youri Tielemans.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interested in Tielemans

The Magpies have reportedly been interested in a cut-price move for the 25-year-old this month, with his contract at Leicester City set to expire in the summer.

Both Jonjo Shelvey and Matty Longstaff are also out of contract in June, so the St James' Park outfit will surely be looking for a central midfielder to replace them in the squad, either in January or in the next transfer window.

The Latest: McManus urges Tielemans move

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus says that he 'can't believe' Newcastle have not made a move for Tielemans yet, claiming that the Belgian would be a 'sensational' and 'tremendous signing' for Eddie Howe's side.

The 41-year-old said: “I can’t believe Newcastle haven’t at least made a move for him. Howe has been saying how much they need a new midfielder and he’s right there for the taking. I don’t get that one.

“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

Considering Shelvey and Longstaff's contract situations, signing Tielemans for a cut-price is surely a no-brainer for the Tynesiders.

Hailed by his boss Brendan Rodgers as an ‘outstanding player’ and ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’, the Belgium international ranks in the 85th percentile for shot-creating actions, 84th for tackles, 81st for passes attempted and 80th for progressive passes per match of all his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBRef).

Furthermore, he has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt already, featuring 140 times in the division.

At just 25 years of age, he has probably not even hit his peak yet, so he could be a mainstay in the Magpies' midfield alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton for years to come.