Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is desperate to improve his squad (Image: Getty)
Newcastle are reportedly monitoring James McAtee's situation at Manchester City. The playmaker has struggled to gain game time with the Premier League champions despite the dismal form of some of his more experienced colleagues this season.
McAtee impressed on loan at Sheffield United last season, but those performances did not translate into regular minutes under Pep Guardiola. The 22-year-old has played just 26 minutes in three Premier League matches this season.
Newcastle need a left-footed attacking midfielder capable of playing on the right wing, with Eddie Howe using Joelinton and Harvey Barnes in that position this season. This isn't the best role for either player.
Miguel Almiron could also be headed to leave in January before his contract expires at the end of the season. However, the Paraguayan star, who was once Newcastle's most expensive player at £21million, could have waited to explore his options this summer.
The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle are an admirer of McAtee and are therefore monitoring his situation at the Etihad Stadium. It is claimed that the City academy graduate is valued at around £25 million, which would allow Guardiola to reinvest in his struggling senior squad.
However, the Spaniard has already suggested no one will leave City this month. An already depleted squad was depleted by injuries during the first half of the season. Guardiola has overseen the club's worst run of results in 21 years and is desperate to strengthen his ranks.
He told Amazon Prime last week: “We need to add players. Definitely. We are struggling especially at the back and in the middle. I think we need to do it but I don't know if it will happen. transfer window in winter is not easy.”
James McAtee impressed in his rare Man City cameos (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail report adds that Newcastle are also interested in Southampton teenage starlet Tyler Dibling. The Magpies came close to signing the striker in 2022, but he opted to join Chelsea – only to return to the south coast two months later after failing to settle in London.
Newcastle and head coach Eddie Howe have been interested in Dibling since he scored a hat-trick for Southampton U23s at St James' Park aged just 16. Footage of the trio of very similar strikes went viral online.
Dibling has shone for struggling Southampton this season, making 12 starts and scoring two goals. However, it is unlikely that the Saints will sanction his departure this month.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1995592/newcastle-man-city-james-mcatee-transfer