Famous pundit Gary Lineker was full of praise for Newcastle United transfer target Scott McTominay in a recent interview conducted on The Rest Is Football Podcast.

The Manchester United man put in a very impressive showing at the weekend, as he spearheaded Scotland’s 3-0 win over Cyprus in the Euro 2024 qualifying stage.

He opened the scoring for the Tartan Army in the 8th minute of the game – following this, he went on to set up Scotland’s third goal of the evening, scored by John McGinn. He has been immense for his country recently, scoring six goals in his last five games on the international stage.

McTominay was linked with a potential move to Newcastle in the summer transfer window – other clubs, such as Fulham and West Ham United, also had a reported interest in the player.

What did Gary Lineker have to say regarding Scott McTominay?

On The Rest Is Football Podcast, Lineker said: “I notice Scott McTominay playing and getting in the box a lot. He scored again in this game, he scored a couple in the game first time against Cyprus.

“He is top scorer in qualifying. It’s nuts, yet he’s not really getting a look in at Manchester United. Someone will go for him surely?”

Should Newcastle United sign Scott McTominay in January?

Of course, the transfer window is now shut in the Premier League – as such, if Newcastle still want to bring McTominay on board, they will need to wait until January to complete a deal.

However, completing a deal for the Scot could be a shrewd piece of business from the Toon. Not only is he a criminally underrated central midfielder, his lack of game time at Manchester United means that they could potentially get their hands on him for a price that is below his market value.

With that being said, the Magpies already have plenty of quality options in the middle of the park. In a team that includes talents such as Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, where does McTominay fit in?

It’s unlikely that he would be a regular first-team starter if he made the jump to St. James’ Park, but he would provide an excellent depth option.