An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch, regarding interest from another English side...

What's the talk?

According to Sky Germany, via Fussball Transfers, Tottenham have now joined the race for his services alongside the Magpies.

The report claims that he will see out his contract in Germany before joining a new club next summer as a free agent.

Sissoko 2.0

Eddie Howe must ensure that Newcastle are able to beat Spurs to his signature as he could be the club's new midfield beast moving forward.

The Austrian could finally be the heir to Moussa Sissoko's throne in the middle of the park, with the Magpies failing to sign an effective enforcer since he left the club. Both players stand at 6 foot 1, 1.87m, and are able to put a shift in across the park at both ends of the pitch.

Sissoko managed one goal and seven assists in his final Premier League campaign for Newcastle, whilst averaging 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game. His height also allowed him to win 1.5 aerial battles per game, which helped the side in terms of defending long balls and set-pieces.

Last season in the Bundesliga, Grillitsch chipped in with two goals and one assist, averaging 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game. He won 1.2 aerial battles per game, which has shot up to 1.5 this term, showing that he can also have an impact in the air.

German coach Julian Nagelsmann was previously effusive in his praise of the range midfielder, saying:

“In my opinion, Flo Grillitsch is one of the best six in the Bundesliga who is already a little under the radar. At least you rarely read anything about him.

“He still has a few construction sites, he knows that, I've told him that often enough. But he is an extraordinary footballer and has an incredible ability to determine the rhythm of the game."

Newcastle's current defensive midfielder, Isaac Hayden, is averaging a dreadful WhoScored rating of 6.44 in the Premier League. Grillitsch, meanwhile, is averaging a score of 6.98 in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim - suggesting that he could be a sizeable upgrade on the ex-Arsenal man if he is able to adapt to English football.

It is now down to Howe to work with Nick Hammond to get a deal over the line for the midfield machine as the ex-Bournemouth boss could unearth Sissoko 2.0 for the Magpies and solve their issues in midfield.

AND in other news, Move over Ashworth: NUFC must consider "irate" DoF whose "behaviour's been a disgrace"...