Eddie Howe makes major Lewis Miley decision after Ipswich offer to Newcastle
Newcastle have made a significant call on Lewis Miley’s future after recently-relegated Championship outfit Ipswich Town submitted an offer for his services.
Durham-born midfielder Miley joined the Magpies’ academy at seven-years-old and progressed through their youth set-up to make his first-team debut for his boyhood club in May 2023.
He became Newcastle’s youngest-ever Premier League player in that game against Chelsea, and he has continued to impress over the last two years, with appearances in the Champions League and two goals in 19 outings last season.
Football Insider revealed in April that Newcastle have no plans to let Miley leave this summer, but they have since been linked with some major midfield signings and Jacob Ramsey has joined the Magpies as Eddie Howe aims to bolster his ranks.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider last month that PSR constraints could force Newcastle to sell Miley, and they have recently received an offer for his services with the window soon set to close.
Newcastle reject Ipswich’s Lewis Miley loan offer
The Daily Mail reported on Friday (15 August) that 19-year-old Miley has emerged as a loan target for Ipswich Town, who are aiming to compete at the top of the Championship this season after relegation from the Premier League.
Miley featured off the bench in the Magpies’ season-opener against Aston Villa on Saturday (16 August), however, and Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett has now reported via X that Newcastle have rejected an approach from Ipswich to take Miley on loan for the season.
He is believed to be part of Howe’s plans for the campaign ahead, and so won’t be allowed to leave before the window shuts on 1 September.
https://x.com/robdorsettsky/status/1957858624643928155?s=46&t=busTurDhk_-RswKrlS6YdAJoe Willock’s injury could have forced Eddie Howe to keep Lewis Miley
Football Insider verdict
Newcastle are going to need all the help they can get this season after such a tough summer window, but things are looking up right now after Ramsey’s recent arrival and with Yoane Wissa seemingly set to move to Tyneside soon.
Howe’s has some strong options to call upon in midfield as it stands with Miley, Ramsey, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock making up some impressive depth in the middle of the park, but the latter’s recent injury trouble has them a man light with the new campaign now underway.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 47 | 3 | 4 |
Willock was stretchered off in the Magpies’ friendly against K-League All Stars last month, and there were initial fears of a serious ACL injury, but his calf is the problem area and he is instead set to be sidelined for another month [ChronicleLive].
The former Arsenal man has a recent history of constant injury issues since he moved to St James’ Park, and while this setback is only a small one, it clearly makes sense for Howe to keep Miley in case Willock’s problems continue, especially with the Magpies set to return to the Champions League.