Newcastle United will be forced to “wait and see” over Scott McTominay’s availability in January, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Scott McTominay’s situation
McTominay has lost his place at Manchester United after being replaced by the £70m arrival of Casemiro at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old started six of United’s opening seven Premier League games before he was dropped following the 6-3 Manchester Derby defeat, not starting in the league since.
A youth team product, McTominay has played 190 times for the Red Devils after making his debut in 2017 but he may find that he will have to head somewhere else to re-find first-team football heading into the prime of his career.
The Latest: Newcastle interest
It was recently reported by The Mirror that Eddie Howe’s side are interested in bringing the Scotsman to the North-East this month.
Speaking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs confirmed the Magpies' interest but is unsure about whether a deal can come to fruition.
“Somebody like McTominay coming in could add that tactical versatility, so I don't think it's a bad signing.
“Now we have to wait and see whether, 1) Newcastle move - there's definitely interest there; and 2) if Manchester United are prepared to sell, and as important, are they now prepared to sell for a rival who is competing with them for a top-four place?
“And that's the key point in all of this, that McTominay may want the move to Newcastle or any club to get the game time, but Manchester United, as per my understanding, don't really want to sell him, which means that Newcastle can have all the interest in the world, but Erik ten Hag is going to be very clear. I think that he doesn't want that many outgoings.”
The Verdict: Increasingly difficult
Despite McTominay’s drop in minutes at United, he does still hold a key role in the squad and his versatility - which has seen him play occasionally at centre-back as well as in central and defensive midfield - is something that could benefit the Magpies, but Ten Hag will be reluctant to let go.
With depleted numbers in midfield following Jonjo Shelvey’s injury mean only Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Joelinton remain the centre-midfield options available to Howe, with the latter deployed at left-wing of late.
The final sticking point of a January move is that United surely won’t want to strengthen a top-four rival. With both sides level on points, it seems a move will have to wait until the summer to sign the gem, dubbed as “immense” by BBC journalist Bill Rice, if it is to happen.