‘Eddie Howe makes final Lewis Miley exit decision’ after what he saw vs Chelsea
Eddie Howe will block any offers for Lewis Miley ahead of the January transfer window and sees him as an important player for Newcastle.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 19-year-old has played his way into the club’s long-term plans.
Miley starred despite playing out of position as a makeshift right-back as Newcastle drew 2-2 with Chelsea at St James’ Park, delighting his manager.
Newcastle feared they may be forced to sell Miley during the summer due to financial concerns, adding to speculation he could be allowed to leave the club.
However, they now have no plans to let him go, with his newly-discovered versatility and consistency in Howe’s side establishing him as a valuable asset.
Newcastle make final decision on selling Lewis Miley
Brown told Football Insider on 1 December that Newcastle have no plans to sell Miley and have gone back on their position, having previously been prepared to listen to offers.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the midfielder has proven how good he can be when called upon regularly.
“Lewis Miley has done everything by the book, if you like,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s worked hard, there were questions about whether he was good enough to make the step up or not, but he’s now proving he is a very good option for them.
“Eddie Howe has given him that chance and I’m told he’s been very impressed.
“Even in the Chelsea game, he was thrown into the starting XI out of position, but there was no moaning, he got on with his job and did it very well.
“That’s something I love to see in a young player, that application, willingness and being determined to prove himself and prove his worth.
“Miley has absolutely done that at Newcastle, so their final decision is going to be to keep him at the club, no matter what they might’ve been thinking previously.
“They think he can play a really important role there, and I hope he can.”
Eddie Howe facing questions over his position at Newcastle
Following the draw with Chelsea, despite impressive performances from a number of players including Miley, questions have been asked about Howe’s position.
After 17 Premier League games so far, the Magpies have won just six games and currently sit in 11th place, despite their original lofty expectations for the season.
As a result, some Newcastle fans have called for Howe’s sacking, but the club do not echo those views and still believe he is the right man for the job.
Brown told Football Insider on 23 December that Newcastle have no plans to sack Howe and still see him as the man to lead them in their future ambitions.
The boss has plenty of credit in the bank for his success since joining the Magpies and there are a number of other reasons for their current inconsistency.
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