SHOCKING: Newcastle Launch DESPERATE Bid for ABSOLUTE MIDFIELD MONSTER at Bargain £23M – The ULTIMATE Tonali Replacement That Will Leave Fans SPEECHLESS! You Won’t Believe How He Dominates Games…

Newcastle United may be entering 2026 in an underwhelming mid-table position, but Eddie Howe’s reputation across the Premier League remains strong.

Despite an inconsistent campaign that has frustrated supporters, the Newcastle boss has reportedly appeared on Chelsea’s managerial shortlist.

That interest reflects the long-term impact Howe has had at St James’ Park, where he has delivered silverware in the form of an EFL Cup and restored the club’s presence on the European stage.

However, Chelsea are believed to be prioritising Liam Rosenior, leaving Howe fully focused on reviving Newcastle’s season.

The January transfer window presents a crucial opportunity, with midfield reinforcements emerging as a key area of concern for the Magpies as they look to inject fresh energy and consistency into their squad.

Speculation has intensified around Sandro Tonali’s future, with the Italian midfielder linked to a potential move away from Tyneside.

Chelsea have been mentioned as possible suitors, raising the prospect that Newcastle could soon be planning life without a player once considered untouchable.

In anticipation, the club have been linked with several European midfielders, including AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit, who is reportedly valued at £52m.

More realistically, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb claims Newcastle are preparing a strong January push for Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

The former Arsenal man is also attracting interest from Sunderland and Fenerbahce, with the Turkish club said to have tabled a £23m bid.

Despite growing competition, Newcastle remain firmly in the race.

Guendouzi is viewed as a potential like-for-like replacement for Tonali, offering a similar blend of aggression, energy and technical quality.

At his peak, Tonali was hailed as one of Europe’s finest all-round midfielders, contributing goals while excelling defensively.

Yet recent performances have raised doubts, with lapses in intensity and possession leading to criticism and speculation that Newcastle may now be open to cashing in.

Statistical comparisons strengthen the case for Guendouzi. Data suggests he matches — and in some areas surpasses — Tonali in metrics such as progressive passing, ball-carrying and shot creation, all at a fraction of the cost.

While Tonali has been linked with a staggering £130m valuation, Guendouzi’s £23m price tag looks increasingly appealing.

Described as a “monster” in midfield, Guendouzi’s physicality, drive and Premier League experience could make him an ideal fit for Howe’s system.

Having left England before reaching his peak, a return to the Premier League with Newcastle could offer the perfect platform for the Frenchman to establish himself as a dominant midfield force once again.