Noel Whelan says Newcastle signing Hojbjerg is a ‘no-brainer’

Eddie Howe has Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jonjoe Shelvey and Isaac Hayden at his disposal, but Newcastle United are lacking in ball-winners with Hayden sidelined with injury and Joelinton being pushed further up the pitch.

Guimaraes was brought in as a defensive-midfielder, but he’s operating much higher up the pitch, so Newcastle need somebody to provide protection in the engine room. Howe has reportedly identified Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to fill the role, but it remains to be seen if his pursuit is successful.

Spurs have no interest in selling the 26-year-old and Hojbjerg appears to be happy in North London, so the Magpies might struggle to land his signature. Noel Whelan would love to see the Danish international make the switch, however, telling Football Insider: “That security of a Hojbjerg in there is an absolute definite.

“It’s a no brainer for me. That’s what they need, that kind of brute, a big, strong boy in midfield. Someone who’s going to break up attacks, win those second balls and keeps the attack flowing for Newcastle. That allows for a little bit more freedom for Guimaraes to get into the box.”

“Guimaraes is a little bit more forward-thinking. I think that would suit Newcastle down to the ground, a very disciplined holding midfield player. Someone who can win those second balls and is very aggressive in that midfield area.”

Hojbjerg joined Tottenham on a five-year deal from Southampton in 2020 and has gone on to make 97 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals with nine assistants.

The 26-year-old has a pass completion ratio of 89.2% from 32 Premier League games and averages a tackle (72) or interception (43) every 24 minutes. He’s exactly what Newcastle need,