Newcastle: Keith Downie now hints at major move at St James' Park

Newcastle United are now looking to sign a new central midfielder this summer as Jonjo Shelvey continues to recover from a hamstring injury, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Eddie Howe has overseen a quiet summer at St James’ Park but new faces may still arrive ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Three deals have been completed by the North East giants this summer with Sven Botman and Nick Pope arriving and Matt Targett penning a permanent deal.

Attacking recruits now appear to be the priority for Newcastle. The Telegraph reported this week that Howe is interested in Chelsea quartet Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja.

It comes after the club saw two offers rejected for Leicester City ace James Maddison, with the second bid worth around £50 million.

Watford frontman Joao Pedro is also an option, with Newcastle readying a second offer after their £20 million opener was rejected.

Meanwhile, reports have linked Newcastle with a move for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

Downie understands that it is no longer just attacking recruits on Howe’s mind, with a new midfielder also now being targeted.

Shelvey picked up an injury during pre-season and is set to remain sidelined until after the World Cup.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: “Just from the noises that I’m hearing in the background, I think they are now actually looking at that position as a result of Shelvey’s injury.”

Chronicle Live previously reported that the 30-year-old suffered nerve damage during Newcastle’s Eusebio Cup defeat to Benfica in pre-season.

Newcastle’s season has started with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest and a 0-0 draw with Brighton, but Shelvey is yet to play a part.

“We had a number of scans and opinions