Newcastle United have ‘top-drawer’ prodigy who can save ‘fortunes’ in summer transfer window

Tim Sherwood believes Lewis Miley has the tools to make Toon chiefs put their wallet away in the summer transfer window.

Eddie Howe was forced to throw the youngster into the deep end earlier this season amid a crippling injury crisis. At 17, Miley was tasked with games against Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, AC Milan and Liverpool - passing the test with flying colours.

Most expected the youngster to be given a chance in cup competitions but setbacks elsewhere opened the window of opportunity. Miley has since succumbed to a back injury himself, with Howe keen to let him rest after a hectic breakthrough campaign.

The Stanley native - as well as Elliot Anderson - have broken through the ranks to give Newcastle options from their academy. Only Sean Longstaff and Paul Dummett emerged over the previous decade, with Mike Ashley’s reign notoriously neglecting the club’s Benton base.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Sherwood has hailed Miley - insisting Newcastle have “saved a few quid” in the transfer market. He told the Undr the Cosh podcast: “I think it’s very important to know what’s coming through. Newcastle for instance, Lewis Miley. 

“He would never have got an opportunity, Eddie Howe is a tremendous manager who had a difficult period with injury and suspensions. By default, he’s had the chance to go in there. Eddie knows he’s a good player, of course, but he wouldn’t have given him an opportunity with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes in front. 

“He’s shown he’s top-drawer and he’s made the group a bit bigger. They need him at the moment, but you need to keep an eye on them because it will save you a few quid in the transfer market.”