Newcastle have been linked with a move for Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury, according to the Sunday People [19/01, p.49] via journalist Mark Douglas.

What's the word?

It is reported that Newcastle have enquired about the possibility of taking the 22-year-old on loan this season, given he has only nine starts for the Foxes as a back-up option.

Burnley have also shown interest according to the Sunday People [19/01,p.49] so Steve Bruce may have some persuading to do to convince Choudhury that St. James' Park is the best destination for him.

However, it's been claimed that Leicester have turned down the Magpies' initial approach. Thus, a more convincing offer may have to be made.

Could harm squad dynamic

Newcastle have also been linked with midfielder Wylan Cyprien this month which suggests that bringing in another centre-midfielder is high on Bruce's agenda.

Isaac Hayden came up with a rare goal against Chelsea to win the match but aside from him and Jonjo Shelvey, Newcastle lack options with experience in the middle of the pitch, with Ki-Sung Yeung clearly out of favour after playing just 136 league minutes under Bruce.

Sean Longstaff and Matty Longstaff also have just 31 league appearances combined and though Choudhury may not have featured regularly in Brendan Rodgers' starting line-up this term, his 87% pass accuracy highlights the technical ability he possesses and also places him ahead of all of Newcastle's regular starters in that department.

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However, even if it is a temporary measure it may not be wise to bring in the defensive midfielder.

He was responsible for Matt Ritchie picking up a long-term ankle injury at the end of August - which he has only just recovered from - and that could unsettle the 30-year-old and potentially his teammates, too.

Even more likely is the negative effect Choudhury's arrival could have on Matty Longstaff, whose promising performances this season have seen the fans take to him very quickly.

The 20-year-old has played the least out of the Magpies' current midfielders so is, therefore, the player who would presumably miss out most if Choudhury arrived. That would hinder his game time and with it his development.

Bruce being interested in the Leicester man alone suggests he is not convinced by Longstaff and what he has offered thus far, even though he has scored against Manchester United twice this season.

Meanwhile, fans have been reacting to a key event against Chelsea which could have repercussions for the rest of the season.