Newcastle United urged to go after 'missing cog' Gini Wijnaldum amid uncertain PSG future

Newcastle United have been urged to go after former midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum with one pundit insisting the player is Eddie Howe's 'missing cog'. The 31-year-old joined PSG from Liverpool last summer but is thought to be questioning his imminent future.

Starting just 18 times in Ligue 1 for the French giants last season, Wijnaldum was also an unused substitute in the sides eventual exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid back in March.

Moving away from Anfield on a free transfer, much has been made of the Dutch international's next step given the uncertainty surrounding manager Mauricio Pochettino's future at the club.

PSG again cruised to the French title earlier this year, with former Leeds man Noel Whelan claiming the midfielder should perhaps consider a move back to his former stomping ground in the north east.

“He’s a fantastic player and I was very surprised when he left Liverpool,” he told Football Insider most recently.. "He is one of these players who can play that attacking midfield role better than most.

Howe has strengthened in midfield already this year, bringing in established Brazilian international Bruno Guimaraes, who at present looks to be a shrewd signing for the Magpies. Whelan feels both he and Wijnaldum would however suit alongside one another.

“If Newcastle can go back in for him and get him next to Bruno Guimaraes – that’s a pretty formidable midfield. There is lots of experience and international quality in there. I think he could be that missing cog. He could provide the quality and creativity that Newcastle’s front men will relish.”