Scott McTominay 'open to Newcastle United loan switch'

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is reportedly open to discussing a move to Newcastle United before the end of the January transfer window.

There is currently speculation surrounding the 26-year-old's future, having found himself down the pecking order for the starting roles in Erik ten Hag's midfield.

McTominay has again been a regular for the Red Devils this term, making 22 appearances in all competitions, but he has only played one minute of league football since November 13.

Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Fred are all ahead of McTominay in terms of the midfield spots, which could see the Scotland international struggle for action in the second half of the season.

A recent report claimed that Man United were not interested in allowing the midfielder to depart in January, with Ten Hag keen to keep his squad together ahead of a busy run of matches.

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However, according to The Telegraph, the midfielder is concerned by his lack of game time and would be open to discussing a move to Newcastle before the end of the month.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe recently rejected suggestions that his side were looking to sign McTominay.

"No, that's not true [bidding for McTominay]. The loan market is always a big option for us. But I think getting the right player on loan is very difficult," Howe told reporters.

"We're working hard at the moment on staying in contact with the market and looking at players and doing a lot of work, but we're not imminently close to signing anybody. We're not actively bidding for players at the moment. It's a watching brief currently."

However, there is believed to be interest from Newcastle in McTominay, while a number of other clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

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McTominay has been with Man United since 2002, progressing through the various youth sides before making his first-team debut in 2017.

The midfielder, capped on 37 occasions by Scotland, has made 192 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 18 goals and contributing five assists in the process.

McTominay played the full 90 minutes against Charlton Athletic in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup last week, but he was back on the bench against Manchester City in the Premier League, only featuring for the final minute of the Manchester derby.

Leeds United are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding the midfielder.