Newcastle United have reportedly approached Manchester United regarding the possibility of taking Scott McTominay on loan.
The Magpies are interested in bringing on another midfielder in January and have been linked with Youri Tielemans and Moises Caicedo, along with the United academy graduate.
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the attraction of the three is their Premier League experience.
“The only thing they have in common is that they have all played in the Premier League,” he told GiveMeSport.
“I think there has been an inquiry recently for McTominay, maybe even on loan, but I don’t think Man United want to do it.”
With Eddie Howe’s side among the richest in world football, a loan deal is likely to be laughed at at Old Trafford, particularly given United’s team’s lack of depth.
Allowing the Scotsman to join a direct rival in the top four until the end of the season would not make any sense for the Red Devils.
While Casemiro is the undisputed first choice for Erik ten Hag, with Christian Eriksen at his side, McTominay fills a useful role as a player for the team.
The hectic schedule United are facing will require these players to ease the burden on regular starters.
If McTominay were to leave the club, a replacement would be necessary, and Old Trafford’s coffers are not as full as they have been in the past.
If a permanent offer were made, it could be a different story, as it would allow United to reinvest in a player more suited to Ten Hag’s preferred style of play.
But even then, the club would likely struggle to get such a player in the January transfer window.
The situation may develop a bit in the summer if Newcastle’s interest in McTominay continues.