Newcastle work on signing Anthony Gordon replacement from Man City - 'he's an upgrade'

Newcastle United are plotting a move to sign Manchester City star Omar Marmoush and are readying an offer to test their resolve.

The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour at the Etihad as he started just 16 games in all competitions last season, and could now be allowed to move on.

While the arrival of Enzo Maresca could open the door to him staying at City, Newcastle hope they will be able to lure him away with the offer of regular first-team football.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that a move to Newcastle could get the best out of Marmoush and return him to his top level.

In his first six months at Man City, the Egypt international scored seven goals and provided two assists in 16 league games, and Newcastle believe they can unlock that form.

Meanwhile, Marmoush's ability to play both on the left wing and through the middle would lend itself greatly to Eddie Howe's need for a new winger and striker this summer.

Could Newcastle make a move to sign Omar Marmoush?

Football Insider revealed in May that Marmoush could push for a move away from Man City as a result of his lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola last season.

City are also aiming to bolster their squad with new talent, which could see the forward pushed even further down the pecking order, placing Newcastle on high alert.

The Magpies are strong admirers of Marmoush and are keeping a close eye on his situation, and if they are given any indication he could be available, they are primed to move.

"Omar Marmoush at his best is a real top-class player," Brown told Football Insider.

"He showed that when he first came in at Man City, he looked quick, confident, strong, good in front of goal, he scored plenty and looked like he would be excellent for them.

"In the last season, he hasn't had that same impact at City, he hasn't been called upon as often and there are players ahead of him in the pecking order.

"But for somebody like Newcastle, he would be a clear upgrade on what they've already got in positions where they need to strengthen.

"Losing Anthony Gordon means they will need a new left-winger, and he can play through the middle as well which is another area where they're not entirely happy.

"Marmoush, if Newcastle can get the best out of him as I'm sure they will believe they can, would be an excellent addition to that squad.

"At his best, he's certainly an upgrade on what they've alraedy got, it's just about getting that best out of him because he hasn't been able to show that at Man City recently.

"Whatever the reason for that may be, whether it's his confidence or players ahead of him in the pecking order, a move to Newcastle could be ideal to kickstart things for him."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Marmoush?

Newcastle are far from the only club keeping tabs on Marmoush's situation, with the growing feeling he could be made available placing a nuimber of their rivals on alert.

The Egypt international has shown he can play at the highest level for Man City despite dropping out of their plans more recently, and could be handed an opportunity elsewhere.

Football Insider revealed in May that Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Marmoush and could lure him away from the Etihad as they aim to strengthen up front.

Unai Emery is determined to bolster his squad ahead of their return to the Champions League, and has identified the forward among their key targets.

A fee of £60million is expected to be enough to tempt City to sell, and while that fee may price some out of the race, both Newcastle and Aston Villa remain keen.