Newcastle United are in competition with Burnley and Nice in showing an interest in making a move for Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie when the January transfer window opens.

The Magpies were looking to add to their midfield options before the close of the domestic transfer window, but in the end loan moves for Chelsea pair Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley failed to materialise, as per Chronicle Live, and Newcastle could now turn their attention towards Christie in January.

Newcastle facing challenge to secure winter move for Christie

Steve Bruce's side are facing strong competition for Christie from Ligue 1 club Nice, who have identified the Scotland international as one of their main January targets. The French outfit value the 25-year-old at around £10m, although it is thought that they hope to secure him for less than that amount, as per The Sun.

Newcastle will also go head-to-head with Burnley in the race for Christie’s signature, with the midfielder’s contract with Celtic nearing its expiry. However, The Sun also suggested the Glasgow giants are thought to be reluctant to lose the 25-year-old in the winter transfer window as they aim to secure a 10th consecutive domestic league title.

Christie would bring much-needed quality to Magpies midfield

Newcastle are in need of a playmaker who can provide more of a goal threat and a greater ability to create chances in the final third. Christie would certainly fit that bill, with the Scotland international having already registered two goals and four assists in nine league appearances so far this term, as per Whoscored.

The 25-year-old has also shown his ability to get into good positions in the final third, averaging 3.4 shots per game so far this campaign, as well as showing his quality in possession by recording an 83% passing accuracy rate (via Whoscored).

Those figures suggest he could potentially be a step-up in quality from the Magpies’ current midfield options in terms of attacking output - in Bruce's squad, only Callum Wilson has averaged more than two shots per game, while just five players have a greater passing success rate than Christie (via Whoscored).

Newcastle fans, would Christie be a good signing for the Magpies? Comment below with your views!