Newcastle United continue to target Premier League midfielders

Newcastle United appear to be serious about improving their squad this summer and it is reflected in the fact that they are interested in another quality Premier League midfielder.

Newcastle United’s scouting department is not working at the moment, but transfer links continue to pop up across England. A few days ago it was reported that the Magpies are willing to spend £35m on Burnley’s star winger Dwight McNeil.

Other clubs, such as Manchester United and Chelsea, have also thrown their hats in the race for his services. Landing McNeil this summer would be fantastic business, but it will be an uphill battle.

In other transfer news, a new report has come out claiming that Steve Bruce is keen on reuniting with a talented midfielder he coached when he was in charge of Aston Villa. The Magpies’ front office is quietly hoping that Aston Villa get relegated to improve their odds of signing John McGinn.

The report indicates that Newcastle United would table a bid around £30m to sign the Scottish international. Aston Villa looked like a decent mid-table side before McGinn picked up an injury that forced him to miss a few months of action.

Without McGinn in the lineup Aston Villa have been a team in decline as they find themselves 19th in the table with 25 points. McGinn has played in 18 games this season and has three goals and two assists to his name. It is also worth mentioning that McGinn has found the back of the net seven times in his last eight appearances for the Scottish national team.

His final output in terms of goals and assists in the Premier League is not eye popping, but, aside from Jack Grealish, McGinn is Aston Villa’s top playmaker. The 25-year-old is a true box-to-box midfielder, which is something Newcastle United currently lacks.

McGinn has showcased his ability to orchestrate attacks, create big plays for himself and others around him, and he does a phenomenal job of supporting the back-line in a timely manner. If McGinn was to join Newcastle United in the summer he would undoubtedly be regular starter in the middle of the park.

McGinn’s ability to cause problems with the ball at his feet in the final third would make him a perfect partner for Isaac Hayden, who tends to stay back and break down counter attacks. Playing McGinn alongside a creative midfielder with great vision such as Jonjo Shelvey would be just as beneficial for the Magpies.

This article has outlined the positive impact McGinn would have at Newcastle United, but it is important to note that signing him will be quite the challenge. Prior to moving to Villa Park, McGinn played for St. Mirren and Hibernian in the Scottish top flight. Aston Villa is the club that gave him his first opportunity to elevate his game in England, so there is a sense of loyalty there.

Secondly, Newcastle United are not alone in the race for his services. Manchester United had their eyes on the midfielder since the start of the season, but the Red Devils also want Jack Grealish. Based on reports over the last few months, it sounds like Grealish is their top transfer target, which bodes well for the Magpies in their pursuit of McGinn.

Lastly, the odds of Newcastle United signing McGinn this summer would be decent if Aston Villa go down as they would need the funds to restructure their squad. If Dean Smith’s side avoids relegation Newcastle United would be forced to break their transfer record for McGinn and we all know that will not happen.