Nick Hammond is reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Manuel Lanzini for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Hammond hired

As per Sky Sports, the St. James' Park faithful have now hired former Celtic and Reading Director of Football (DoF) Nick Hammond on a short-term deal as a transfer consultant.

He will oversee the January transfer window, and has been tasked with bringing in players to help in their relegation fight.

The Latest: Lanzini eyed

According to 90min, one of Hammond's first signings could be Lanzini, as the North East club are eyeing a loan move for the West Ham United ace next month.

David Moyes would reportedly not mind letting him leave on loan, and given the situation that the Tyneside outfit find themselves in, it could prove to be a good move for all parties.

The Verdict: Makes sense

While Lanzini has been starting more regularly in the Premier League, he has been far from first choice throughout the season, and so may want a loan move away in order to play more football.

There is no doubt that the talent is there, as Lionel Messi even once hailed him by admiring his potential and claiming that he could play for FC Barcelona when he was there.

BBC pundit Stephen Warnock went as far as to claim that he was 'magic' and capable of 'genius' after impressing away at Manchester City earlier this season, and he could give Eddie Howe's team that extra bit of firepower to keep them up.

Nonetheless, if they end up getting relegated, Lanzini could then just return to the Hammers after his loan spell, and so the deal would make a lot of sense for all parties involved.

In other news, find out which 'exceptional' title winner NUFC are now targeting here!