Newcastle are reportedly looking at a loan-to-buy deal for Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley.
According to The Mirror, Newcastle’s interest in Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley is with the intention of taking him on loan, with a permanent option should the Magpies win promotion.
The Magpies lost 1-0 away at Blackburn Rovers on Monday afternoon, with Jack Colback’s recent performances a major concern in the absence of star playmaker Jonjo Shelvey, who is currently out through suspension.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
With Newcastle struggling to cope without Shelvey, and Cheick Tiote out of contract out of contract at the end of the season, manager Rafael Benitez may hope to bring in a new midfielder during this month’s transfer window.
Over the weekend, the Daily Mail claimed that Newcastle were interested in signing Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley – and The Mirror report that Benitez wants to take him on loan with a permanent option should the Magpies win promotion back to the Premier League.
Everton’s Tom Cleverley looks dejected
Cleverley, 27, has started just four Premier League games for Everton this season, and appears to be well down the pecking order under Ronald Koeman.
With Koeman keen to bring in another midfielder – The Telegraph report that a £19million bid for Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin has failed – Cleverley appears to have little future at Goodison Park, just 18 months after joining the club from Manchester United.
Newcastle now want to rescue Cleverley and give him first-team football in the Championship, with the hope of then making him a part of their Premier League squad next season, should they go up.
It’s stated that Benitez has taken charge of transfers, and there’s an English feel to the targets, with Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and Brentford attacker Scott Hogan both wanted too – yet a loan-to-buy move for Cleverley could be the top priority this summer.
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