Lee Ryder has claimed that Newcastle United could sign Tom Davies in a potential swap deal with Sean Longstaff before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Davies linked before

The St. James' Park faithful were reportedly linked with a move for Davies in last summer's window, before he ended up staying at Everton.

It seems as if they could revisit their previous interest this summer, as the new 2021/22 Premier League season draws ever closer.

The Latest: Swap deal?

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Tyneside journalist Ryder has claimed that Longstaff could be used in a swap deal to bring Davies to the North East.

The move has been played down at this moment in time, but it has not been ruled out.

The Verdict: Avoid

It seems a bit unnecessary for the Tyneside club to swap Longstaff for Davies, as they are both very similar players.

They both managed no goals and just one assist in the top flight last term, and while Davies, lauded as an 'excellent' player by pundit Paddy Kenny back in June, averaged more interceptions, clearances, blocks, dribbles and passes per game, Longstaff averaged more tackles, shots, key passes, crosses and long balls (Whoscored).

Put simply, they are both tenacious midfielders with an eye for a pass, but little potency going forward and plenty of room to develop their games further.

Longstaff is also a local boy and so the Toon Army would not be pleased in letting one of their own go, unless a much better replacement was brought in.

Thus, the Magpies should only look to add Davies to their squad if Longstaff was not included as part of a deal.

In other news, find out which Premier League NUFC are 'desperate' to sign here!