· 6 August 2025, 19:30
**Eddie Howe is searching for a new midfielder to join Newcastle United after selling Sean Longstaff and now losing Joe Willock to yet another injury.**
Newcastle's core midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton remains one of the best in the Premier League, but beyond them, the squad certainly lacks depth with just Lewis Miley as a fit backup for Howe right now.
Joe Willock is expected to miss the start of the season after picking up another injury during the friendly against Team K-League last week, and with Howe saying he needs six midfielders, he's already one short before you count Willock's unavailability.
We don't expect Newcastle to sign a high-profile midfielder, as whoever comes in is unlikely to displace any of the main three, which is why we suggested Jack Rudoni from Coventry as a good option.
> [](https://twitter.com/CraigHope_DM/status/1953124497952739785)
Newcastle United now want John McGinn? That barrel is being well and truly scraped
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However, Craig Hope clearly has other ideas by suggesting Newcastle want Aston Villa captain John McGinn in a report for the [Daily Mail.](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14976723/Newcastle-Aston-Villa-John-McGinn-Eddie-Howe.html)
Newcastle see his reliability and character as traits they need at the club right now, but at 30 years old, he hardly fits the profile of a Newcastle signing.
That being said, it wouldn't be a surprise if the club has torn up their rulebook this summer after being so massively frustrated in the window.
Yawn
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John McGinn is often praised by commentators, and Aston Villa fans love him, but he's one of those players who doesn't really inspire. He's good at what he does, solid and dependable, but hardly exciting.
The Mail reports that McGinn could be available this summer, but also says that Villa have rebuffed an approach from Everton already.
We are certainly not getting excited by this one; we'd rather have the 24-year-old Jack Rudoni and have Eddie Howe work his magic on him. Although at this point, just give us anybody!