This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more... 

The possibility of Newcastle signing Jarrod Bowen has been up in the air over recent months.

Rumours originated in the summer before the link gathered pace again in November but that was shortly quashed by the Magpies’ desire to target the loan market instead.

However, an exclusive report from Football League World has claimed that Steve Bruce’s men are still monitoring him with a view to signing the youngster in January.

Also in the race for the £9m-rated winger are Norwich City.

On the chalkboard

Bowen has been nothing short of a star in the Championship, scoring 22 goals in 2018/19 before adding a further 15 this term.

The right-winger is blessed with a remarkable turn of pace while his dribbling ability is enough to cause a nightmare for any defence.

He regularly cuts inside to work the ball onto his left foot, much in the same way Allan Saint-Maximin does from the left-hand side at Newcastle already.

But when everything is considered, the acquisition of the 22-year-old could be game-changing for Miguel Almiron.

The Paraguayan has only contributed to a solitary goal after arriving last January and has predominantly played on the right flank.

It’s a position he’s failed to thrive in but when he was playing in MLS for Atlanta he actually played centrally.

Newcastle are limited with their options in a wide area but landing Bowen would significantly strengthen their abilities from those positions – so much so that Almiron could move back into an attacking midfield role.

In his final campaign in America, the 25-year-old played 26 times in a number 10 position behind the striker according to Transfermarkt.

During that time, he scored 11 goals and laid on a further 11 assists.

It was a fabulous tally from Almiron but since he arrived on English shores, we’ve rarely seen him in that role. The same source claims that he’s only played twice in the creative hole for Newcastle which seems rather baffling when you consider the record he racked up in the US.

Landing a player like Bowen, therefore, could see Steve Bruce field him back in his preferred role. It’s clear that a position on the flank hasn’t benefitted Almiron. The very fact he hasn’t scored a single goal since arriving says everything about his situation.

This potential signing wouldn’t just benefit the team, but it could also have a big say on whether the Paraguayan becomes a success on Tyneside.

Meanwhile, Lee Ryder provided some bad news for Newcastle fans following their win over Southampton...