Newcastle make Lewis Miley transfer ‘U-turn’ after Eddie Howe reveal
Newcastle United will block any departure for Lewis Miley in the January transfer window despite previous suggestions he could be moved on.
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 established himself as part of Eddie Howe‘s plans.
As a result, Howe has no intentions of losing Miley despite reported interest during the summer from a number of clubs including Premier League rivals.
Miley starred as Newcastle beat Everton 4-1 at the weekend, picking up a goal and an assist which left fans and neutrals gushing over his display.
Despite Newcastle’s midfield three of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes being settled, the teenager has made a case for a more regular role under Howe.
Lewis Miley to stay at Newcastle after transfer U-turn
Brown told Football Insider in July that Newcastle would consider offers for Miley amid suggestions he could be sold to help bolster their financial position.
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, has now insisted Newcastle have no plans to let him leave and see him as a future starter.
“Miley has proven he has a role to play for Newcastle,” he told Football Insider.
“They see him every day, they know him inside out and they know how far they think he can go in his career, and whether he’s the sort of player they want.
“Their midfield is as stable as any in the league, if you take Joelinton, Bruno and Tonali.
“Behind that, there’s a question about who would be capable of coming in and stepping up if any of those three aren’t available for any reason.
“Miley has always been useful for that purpose, and for rotating in Europe.
“Now, after that performance against Everton, he’s making a real case for more regular football and showing he can be a big part of this team.
“There have been suggestions for a while that maybe he hasn’t got a place there long term, but I think any of those concerns have now been removed.
“There’s no way Newcastle will let him go when you consider his role at the moment and also the level they think he can get to one day.”
Newcastle eye midfield reinforcements in January
Football Insider revealed on 24 November that Newcastle are targeting a new midfielder as one of four key signings when the January transfer window opens.
Howe is concerned about his midfield options behind the key trio of Joelinton, Tonali and Guimaraes, and plans to add cover to his squad.
That is despite the recent form of Miley, who has proved himself to be a capable backup to the first-choice options when called upon.
Football Insider revealed on 12 October that Newcastle are interested in re-signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and are keeping tabs on his displays.
Newcastle are also eyeing Kobbie Mainoo amid ongoing speculation about his future at Man United, with midfield reinforcements on their agenda.
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