Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, should the Scotland international come available this summer.
What's the word?
Recent reports had revealed that the 25-year-old had been the subject of interest from a host of Premier League clubs - including the Magpies - following the Old Trafford outfit's capture of Casemiro.
The feeling is that the arrival of the Brazilian could see the United academy graduate cast aside by manager Erik ten Hag - hence the mounting interest - albeit with the Red Devils yet to make the 34-cap gem available.
Journalist Pete O'Rourke - in an interview with Football FanCast - has now offered his verdict on the 6 foot 4 colossus making the move to St James' Park, stating that it could well prove to be an astute purchase for the Tynesiders.
The transfer insider stated:
"If McTominay is not playing regularly in this Man United team he might be looking to move on in search of first-team football as well. So yeah a big few days ahead to see what happens with the future of Scott McTominay, but if he does become available I think he could be a real shrewd piece of business by Newcastle."
Shrewd signing
The addition of the Lancaster-born ace may not prove a wholly popular one in the northeast such is the criticism he regularly faces at his current club, although the number of interested parties circling for his signature would indicate that such critique isn't always fair.
Dubbed a "physical monster" by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, McTominay - who has racked up 173 appearances for his current side - offers a real commanding presence in the centre of the park, showcasing a willingness to carry out the less glamorous side of the game to allow his more technical teammates to thrive.
While the £28.8m-rated man's ability in possession has come under scrutiny - as he ranks in just the top 32% for pass completion among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues - his dogged defensive is no doubt impressive, as he ranks in at least the top 10% for clearances made and aerial duels won.
Also something of a "leader" - in the words of Thierry Henry - the £60k-per-week brute could well be astute addition in the centre of the park for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, with the 44-year-old having previously allowed a key midfield figure to depart in Isaac Hayden.
Not just a physical "beast" - as also described by Solskjaer - the rampaging midfielder also has a keen eye for goal, notably chipping in with seven goals in all competitions during the 2020/21 campaign.
As Howe has managed to do with the previously maligned Joelinton, the former Bournemouth boss could well help to shape McTominay into something of a world-beater, with the towering midfielder potentially set to be a 'shrewd' signing, as O'Rourke suggested.