Newcastle United could re-think January move for £42m star after Man Utd & Chelsea emergence

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admits the emergence of Lewis Miley could alter his transfer plans during the January window.

After losing Sandro Tonali until August 2024 because of illegal betting offences, the Magpies are considering signing a replacement with Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips on their radar.

But the performances of 17-year-old Miley might force a re-think. The academy graduate has started four consecutive games and impressed in wins over Chelsea and Manchester United, plus the 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Asked If Miley can Tonali's replacement, Howe said: "Sandro is a huge part of our squad and when he’s missing for such a long time, you naturally think that is an area we’ll have to look at.

"We wanted to run with six midfielders this season, and Sandro and Lewis were part of that. A lot depends on how we look injury-wise come January. Right now, we would recruit for every position!

"Hopefully, we’ll have players back and the squad will look very different.

"Lewis has certainly done himself no harm by playing more football, and especially his level of performance against Manchester United.

"That would have been the hardest game for him mentally, because it came off the back of a tough week. But it speaks volumes for how good he is that it was his best performance."

On starting against Chelsea, PSG & Man United, Howe said: "It’s not bad, is it? I’ve never seen a 17-year-old do that. But nothing totally surprises me from what we saw pre-season.

"That’s really tough, physical time, but it’s how you handle it mentally, can you go day after day? He did really well.

"That was a big part of his development to make sure he’s ready for the moments he’s getting now. I just hope he continues to go from strength to strength, and I see no reason why he can’t keep the high levels he has already shown."

Indeed, Miley has started more Premier League games in the last fortnight than Phillips has since joining Man City from Leeds United in a £42million deal last year.