Scott McTominay would be a ‘brilliant signing for Newcastle’ but his Scotland heroics could convince Premier League rivals Manchester United to demand a further £20 million.
That is according to Danny Murphy, the former England international blown away by McTominay’s instantly-iconic performance during the 2-0 Euro 2024 qualification victory over Spain at Hampden Park; the 26-year-old’s brace securing him a spot in Scottish football folklore along the way.
This was his James McFadden vs France moment. McTominay, after converting Andy Robertson’s fine assist early in the first-half, repeated the trick in the second; fizzing home following a rampaging Kieran Tierney run.
That’s four goals in just two games across the international break. Clearly, a man who started out as a striker at Man United hasn’t lost those predatory, penalty area instincts.
Manchester United ace Scott McTominay is a Newcastle target
“Four goals in a week? What a week for the lad, what a brilliant performance yesterday. He deserves great credit,” Murphy tells talkSPORT (29 March, 12.50pm).
McTominay’s ‘coming of age’ moment at international level will only increase the speculation surrounding his future in the club game; The Telegraph reporting that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a huge fan of the £40 million-rated Man United academy graduate.
Murphy, however, believes that McTominay’s current employers could now be emboldened to raise their price-tag.
“I don’t think he will start in (Erik ten Hag’s) best XI,” Murphy adds of a man who has struggled to emulate Casemiro’s influence in a deeper role at Old Trafford.
“I think he would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle. He suits them and Eddie Howe down to the ground.
“He has probably this week put another £15 million on his head, maybe £20, you never know! A good week in football and you can be up another £10 or £20 million.
“But realistically, to play every week, he’s probably going to have to leave. Although I am not sure United will let him go. We will have to see on that one.”
McTominay has only started two Man United games since January’s 3-2 defeat at Arsenal. He was subbed off at half-time against West Ham in the FA Cup, and lasted less than an hour vs Fulham.
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