As reported by The Daily Mirror, Newcastle are looking to give their promotion bid from the Championship a boost in January with a move for Everton's Tom Cleverley.

What's the story?

Two defeats in a week over Christmas and New Year has seen Newcastle's promotion charge look a little less certain than before and Rafa Benitez is seeking improvements to his squad to ensure safe passage back to the Premier League.

The Mirror reckon one such improvement could be Everton's Tom Cleverley who Newcastle are hoping to take on loan until the summer, with a view to permanently signing him should they gain promotion.

The right fit?

Cleverley has only made six Premier League starts for Everton under Ronald Koeman, struggling to displace the likes of Gueye, McCarthy and Barry in the Toffees' first team.

The former Man United man hasn't played in the Championship since 2009/10 but had a sensational season at that level then. He played a starring role on loan at Watford, winning their Player of the Year award and scoring 11 goals in 35 games from midfield.

That kind of threat would no doubt improve what already is a formidable Championship side in Newcastle United.

A lack of first team action has also likely created a hunger for the player and he'd be eager to prove to himself and to supporters that he has no business being a misfit at Goodison Park.

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