Danny Murphy has insisted Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay would be the 'perfect' signing for Eddie Howe's Newcastle.
It comes after reports that the Magpies are hoping to bring the 26-year-old in this summer as he continues to struggle for game time in a side also featuring the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
The Scotland international has started just seven league games so far this season after being a regular for the previous three years, and Murphy felt a move to St James' Park could be ideal for all invovled.
‘I like Scott McTominay a lot,’ he told talkSPORT, ‘I think he gets unfair criticism at times.
‘The way Eddie Howe and Newcastle play, he’s perfect. Super athletic, box-to-box. A really hard worker, good at spotting danger and decent with the ball.'
The Sportsmail columnist argued that, while the Magpies' current midfield is operating well, they will need to add depth if they are to compete in Europe next season.
He continued: ‘You could argue they have got Sean Longstaff, who kind of fits that role, but you’re talking about a club that hopes to be in the Champions League.
‘That means you are playing high-quality games midweek and on the weekend and they need competition for places.
‘They need more numbers in midfield, they have shown that recently when they have had injuries. I think McTominay would be a super signing for them.’
Howe's side picked up a crucial win in their last game before the international break as an injury time penalty from Alexander Isak gave them a 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest.
It means they sit just three points off third-place United after the same number of games.
They play each other on April 2, a game that could be crucial in deciding who ends up playing Champions League football next season.
Newcastle fans will be desperate for revenge after the Red Devils robbed them of a first major domestic trophy since 1955 by beating them 2-0 in the League Cup final last month.