Newcastle United transfer news: Pundit claims Toon need 'old school' talent, Magpies target speaks out on uncertain future

They had to wait until deadline day, but the Magpies did eventually wrap up a loan deal that will see Arsenal youngster Joe Willock spend the second half of the campaign on Tyneside.

For much of the January window, however, the Toon Army were linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury, only to see an agreement for the 23-year-old fall through at the last minute.

But according to former England international Emile Heskey, Newcastle might have missed out on a major coup by failing to land the player.

Speaking to HITC, he said: “He [Choudhury] is a great player, really dogged, doesn’t mind the tackle and can play simple as well. Play him with the right midfielder and it’s a match made in heaven.

“He can get up and down that pitch.

“And that’s what Newcastle need as well; someone who can sit in front of that back four or back five and put that graft in.

“He’s old-school. Nowadays, you’ve just got to be careful. It’s not like the old days where you could win the ball and take the man.”

Interestingly, however, the stats would suggest that Choudhury’s combative streak doesn’t actually outshine Willock’s.

As per Whoscored, the young Gunner has averaged more tackles, interceptions, and blocks per 90 minutes this season.

In an attacking sense, he has made more key passes, more dribbles, and had more shots on goal.

Elsewhere, reported Toon target John Lundstram has been speaking about his future at Sheffield United.

The midfielder is out of contract at Bramall Lane this summer, and could be set for a free transfer if he doesn’t agree to an extension.

But Lundstram is seemingly keeping his options open.

As quoted by the Sheffield Star, he said: "It's the same situation, everything's still on the table. We'll see what happens.

Of course, [speculation] is bound to happen but I'm here and while I am here I'm committed, as you've seen in my performances.

"I'm 110% and no-one can question that.

“Who knows what will happen but while I'm here, I'll give everything."

We’ve gathered the rest of today’s top flight gossip below: