While Newcastle United avoided the temptation to secure a last-ditch deadline-day signing, one notable piece of business which took place amid the climax to the January transfer window was the departure of the long-serving Jonjo Shelvey, with the Englishman having joined Nottingham Forest after seven years on Tyneside.

That lengthy spell had seen the 30-year-old rack up 202 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, having only recently been lauded by Eddie Howe as an "incredible technician" for his quality in possession.

The experienced playmaker had also been a typically industrious and committed figure at the heart of the midfield, with former team-mate Mikel Merino once describing him as "very aggressive" due to his tough-tackling approach.

While the former Swansea City man had only featured sporadically for the Magpies this season due to injury - making just five appearances in all competitions - his exit has still left something of a void in Howe's squad, with the Tynesiders currently rather light in terms of midfield options.

As such, the former Bournemouth boss could well be in need of a swift replacement this summer, with Sporting Lisbon starlet Manuel Ugarte one such option who could prove a dream heir to Shelvey at St James' Park.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, via Sport Witness, Newcastle are said to be one of the clubs who are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old ahead of next season, having reportedly already 'made approaches' to see if a deal could be struck.

The report also outlines that the Primeira Liga outfit are hoping to secure a contract extension in an attempt to ward off any interest, although the player himself is not said to be keen on the prospect of seeing an increase to his current €60m (£54m) release clause.

The Uruguayan "midfield machine" - as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig - has enjoyed a standout campaign so far in Lisbon, having showcased his Shelvey-esque midfield aggression as he has averaged 3.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game from his 17 league outings.

Equally, like Shelvey - who averaged 0.7 key passes per game last season in the Premier League - Ugarte has also illustrated his creative flair of late after averaging 0.4 key passes per game, as well as enjoying a 91% pass accuracy to emphasise his innate composure.

The youngster's quality is also showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 1% among those in his position in the 'Men's next eight competitions' for pass completion, also featuring in the top 1% for tackles made and the top 2% for interceptions.

That all-round brilliance was on show when Ruben Amorim's side defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League back in September, with the six-cap starlet having won seven duels on the day and completed 100% of his dribbles.

As such, with a hole in the Newcastle squad needing to be filled due to Shelvey's exit, Amorim could well prove to be the dream successor as far as Howe is concerned.