Hamza Choudhury is keen to join Newcastle United on loan in pursuit of game-time, according to The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson.
The lowdown
Newcastle had hoped to agree a temporary deal for Choudhury in January, only for Brendan Rodgers to stand in the way, and the 23-year-old remains on the Magpies' shortlist.
He was limited to just four Premier League starts last season, making a further six appearances off the bench (via WhoScored).
Rodgers has hailed Choudhury as 'one of the best' at winning the ball back and also described him as a 'tough' individual.
The latest
According to Wilson on Twitter, Choudhury is 'ready to push' for the move 'to ensure he plays next season' and has told his representatives to take the necessary steps.
Newcastle are aware of this development and are prepared to open talks with Leicester, but only once 'they know where they stand' with Joe Willock.
As Wilson explains, only two domestic loans are allowed at any one time, and Newcastle are looking to strike a season-long deal with Arsenal. If they're successful, they would need to decide whether to use their second domestic loan slot on another midfielder.
The verdict
It's easy to understand why Newcastle are hesitant. Steve Bruce is working within what's been called a 'meagre' transfer budget this summer, so loans will be key to strengthening the squad and staving off the threat of relegation.
Willock has to be to the top target, having proven his value to the Magpies following a hugely successful loan spell earlier this year. That move would halve Newcastle's domestic loan quota, but they shouldn't necessarily shy away from Choudhury simply because he too is a midfielder.
Where Willock offers a box-to-box presence and a goalscoring threat, Choudhury is a different kind of player. He is more destructive and excels at protecting a defence, so he could complement the Arsenal man's skillset nicely if both players end up at St James' Park for the 2021/22 campaign.
In other news, Mark Douglas says Newcastle have been offered this player.