Newcastle United transfer latest as Eddie Howe's squad revamp continues
Archie Gray
Archie Gray(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United's hunt for midfield reinforcements could see them make further enquiries for Tottenham Hotspur star Archie Gray - but they have been warned he's not ready to replace Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies are undergoing a revamp of their squad this summer, focusing on young players with 'high potential' to bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the ranks.
That policy has already seen United sign 18-year-old Dutch prospect Sean Steur, winger Bazoumana Toure and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Matt Targett, John Ruddy, Tonali and Anthony Gordon all departing.
Question marks remain over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, with Arsenal interested in the Brazilian. Guimaraes has told the club that he would like to explore a potential move although there has been no direct contact between Newcastle and the Gunners as a transfer high-wire act continues.
Newcastle's midfield could have a very different look to it come the first game of the season against Liverpool. With Tonali gone, Guimaraes potentially leaving and Joe Willock's future undecided, United are still seeking new signings in the centre of the park.
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Johan Manzami is an attacking option and Botafogo's Brazilian international Danilo is also a target while Newcastle like 20-year-old Gray, who was Spurs' player of the season in their fight against relegation.
They haven't advanced the interest yet but are still looking for a No 6 to replace Tonali, with Steur deemed to be a player who will need some time to adapt. However, Newcastle have been warned that Gray isn't ready yet to step into Tonali's boots.
Former England defender Danny Mills, speaking to Snabbare, said it would be a gamble if Newcastle made a big-money move for the versatile former Leeds youngster, who has also played full-back and centre-half for Tottenham.
"Archie Gray is still a young player with an awful lot of talent and potential," Mills said. "If that’s a direct replacement, it's a bit of a gamble because he still has a lot of learning to do.
"He's played pretty much every position except midfield in the last few years, which has been a shame for him because midfield is his strongest position.
"I assume Archie is going to be marginalised at Tottenham and isn't going to get many minutes. So, can they get their money back? I think they paid about £40million for him.
"Do they loan him out or sell him? If they can get their money back, they probably will.
"But again, you're buying potential. Is he going to go into that midfield and run it like Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes? It’s unlikely in the short term, but in two or three seasons, possibly.
"I understand the investment, but I don't think it's a direct replacement for Tonali right now."