Newcastle eye stunning move for five-time Champions League winner as Howe looks to bolster squad

Newcastle United’s squad depth has been heavily tested by injuries in recent weeks and Eddie Howe’s problems were amplified by a 10 month ban which has been issued to new midfielder Sandro Tonali for betting offences.

This leaves the Magpies short on options in the middle of the park as they try to juggle the demands of European football, whilst maintaining their strong position in the league table.

Howe is hoping to rectify this issue in the January transfer window and a move for a midfielder appears increasingly likely. Many names have been touted as potential options for Newcastle: including out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, Valencia prodigy Javi Guerra and former Wolves captain Ruben Neves.

But the latest move that appears to be attracting attention is a stunning transfer for Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos.

Kroos is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation and the 2014 World Cup winner has been a crucial part of Real Madrid’s team for over nine years. He is renowned for his excellent passing ability, long distance shooting and tactical intelligence to break down opposition attacks.

The 33-year-old has lifted three league titles, one Copa Del Rey, five Club World Cups and most notably four Champions League titles with Madrid; to add to the one he had previously won at Bayern Munich. However, the German midfielder is believed to be considering his future in the Spanish capital and has fallen down the pecking order recently with six of his 12 appearances coming from the substitutes bench.

The veteran midfielder is in the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu and reports from The Daily Star claim he is open to the idea of one last career move before hanging up his boots.

The outlet goes on to namecheck Newcastle and Chelsea as potential suitors for the player. Both clubs would likely benefit from the player’s vast experience and he boasts an incredible 106 appearances at international level for Germany.