Newcastle United will reportedly look to sign Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay this summer if they miss out on West Ham star Declan Rice.

The Scotland international has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season. But, Eddie Howe is believed to rate him highly.

At the moment, Arsenal or Manchester City the big favourites to sign Rice. So, it’s likely we could see McTominay join Newcastle.

Indeed, as reported by Football365, Man City are preparing an ‘unexpected’ big-money move for Rice this summer. Although, Arsenal’s long-standing interest is unlikely to go away.

As a result, a move for McTominay is a more likely prospect for Newcastle and according to the Independent, they have ramped up their interest.

This season, the Scotsman has made 21 Premier League appearances for Man Utd. In the vast majority of these, he has come on off the bench.

The arrivals of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Marcel Sabitzer has seen McTominay fall down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order. So, the Red Devils are willing to sell him this summer.

Newcastle’s interest in the midfielder dates back some time. Also, given they are set to be in the Champions League next season, a switch to the Magpies works for McTominay, too.

Indeed, Howe has overseen a remarkable transformation at St James Park. The Tynesiders currently sit in third place in the Premier League table and are on track for their best season since 2003.

The English coach will be given funds to spend this summer, too. So, we could see several exciting additions for Newcastle this summer.

Ryan Gravenberch is one big names they have been heavily linked with. The 20-year-old centre-mid is widely considered to be one of the most promising players in Europe. So, it would be a major coup for the Magpies to get a deal done.

Although, Liverpool are also pushing to sign Gravenberch, so Newcastle will face competition for his signature.

What the links to Gravenberch, Rice and McTominay show, though, is that Newcastle have made midfielders their transfer priority.

This is despite the performances of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff being instrumental in Newcastle’s success this season.

McTominay’s current deal at Old Trafford is valid until 2025, with Man Utd having the option to extend it by another year.

As mentioned, Man Utd are willing to sell McTominay this summer, but only for the right price.

According to reports, the Red Devils have slapped a £50m price tag on the Scotsman in response to Newcastle’s interest.

READ MORE: Howe is ‘excited’ not ‘daunted by’ top four run-in for Newcastle – ‘The air should be lighter’

The article Newcastle target Man Utd star as Declan Rice alternative; Erik ten Hag responds with £50m price tag appeared first on Football365.com.