Unbelievable: Newcastle must now pay £45m for ‘athletic’ 26-year-old, he wanted Toon move in January

Newcastle United are long-term admirers of Scott McTominay, and at one point in time it looked very likely that he would be on his way to St James’ Park this summer.

The Magpies failed to get him in January, with Manchester United rejecting Eddie Howe’s advances. That is despite the fact that McTominay was keen to move to Tyneside.

That led to talk of a fresh move this summer, with Howe very keen to add the 26-year-old to his squad.

However, with the new season edging closer, McTominay looks unlikelier than ever to sign for Newcastle. That is partially because of the £55million arrival of Sandro Tonali, but it also down to the ludicrous fee Man United are looking for.

How much Manchester United want for Scott McTominay

According to the Telegraph, Man United will only sell McTominay this summer if they receive an offer of between £40million and £45million.

The report adds that Erik ten Hag is happy for the Scotland international to stay, and will only allow him to leave if a big offer comes in. From McTominay’s standpoint, he is happy to remain at Old Trafford but only if he is going to play regularly.

Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but it currently feels like he is being priced out of a move.

There is absolutely no way Newcastle will pay as much as £45million for him. He is a decent player, but that is simply an astonishing amount – especially when you consider the fact that Tonali only cost £10million more.

While Newcastle’s need for McTominay has lessened, a Premier League rival in West Ham are weighing up a bid.

The Telegraph add that the Hammers are considering a formal approach, as they look to splash the Declan Rice cash that is burning a hole in their pocket.

A deal for McTominay would seemingly take a huge chunk out of that pot, with Man United showing a willingness to keep the ‘athletic‘ midfielder at the club.

It would be a huge shock if West Ham bow down to Man United’s demands – they can get much better value elsewhere.

As for Newcastle, the time to land McTominay has been and gone. He was only a decent option for a reasonable fee. There is no sense in making him a marquee addition, especially when FFP continues to be a major concern.