Newcastle United are expected to enter the transfer market for a central midfielder ahead of their return to the Champions League. Rumours are mounting ahead of the summer window opening with James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai the creative options most strongly linked.
Newcastle have a clear need for a playmaker capable of influencing proceedings in the final third, as well as extra bodies for the increased demands next season. The Magpies' run-in highlighted the lack of depth in midfield, with academy graduates Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley both stepping up in the final fixtures.
Regardless of who Eddie Howe is ultimately able to bring through the door, the prospective signing might already have the ideal midfield partner to hit the ground running at St James' Park. Having looked close to an exit on a free transfer last summer, Sean Longstaff has revived his fortunes to the point his absence through injury in the latter stages of the campaign seemed to affect the balance of the side.
