Football
Exclusive: Newcastle Rival Man Utd for Scott McTominay in Potential £70m Scrap
Newcastle and Crystal Palace are targeting a return for Scott McTominay, with a potential fee of £60-70million. United may face competition as the midfielder is sought after for his skills and leadership qualities. A transfer battle between the clubs could be on the cards.
SSC Napoli v ACF Fiorentina - Serie A Enilive by NurPhoto | Getty Images
Newcastle have gatecrashed Manchester United’s plans to bring Scott McTominay back to the Premier League, but they’re not alone, with Crystal Palace also showing interest in the midfield powerhouse, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The former Old Trafford battler only left England for Italy last year in a deal worth around £25million, helping the Serie A champions power to silverware.
But now the Scotland star could be heading straight back, with his old club, the Magpies and Palace all sniffing around.
And a whopping fee of between £60-70million has been muted for McTomninay's sought-after services.
United have been strongly linked with a shock swoop to re-sign their academy graduate after midfield frustrations this season.
ENQUIRY
But SportsBoom sources understand Newcastle have already made an enquiry to rival the Red Devils, and they mean business.
One source said: “Newcastle have asked the question and they’re seriously considering their options. They like what McTominay would bring.”
Palace are monitoring developments closely as they weigh up whether to step up their own move for the powerhouse midfielder.
The insider added: “There’s definitely Premier League interest building. It wouldn’t take much for this to become a very competitive situation.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is desperate to beef up his engine room as Toon chiefs plot their next leap towards the Premier League big boys and deeper European adventures.
McTominay, 27, ticks plenty of boxes and has thrived since moving to Italy.
United insiders still rate the Scotland international highly despite green-lighting his exit not long ago.
STUNNING U-TURN
Bringing him back would be a stunning Old Trafford U-turn, but the Red Devils know they may have to move fast, with the Toon lurking and Palace watching closely.
Newcastle’s Saudi-backed spending power means they are more than capable of turning interest into action if the Italian champions show any willingness to talk. And with Howe keen to add height, muscle and leadership to his midfield mix, McTominay is firmly on the radar.
For the player himself, a Premier League return could prove hugely tempting after impressing abroad, especially with Euro ambitions always in sharp focus.
If United, Newcastle and Palace all push the button, this one could turn into a full-blown transfer scrap.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.