Newcastle United’s interest in Scott McTominay is growing, and he might play a key role in Manchester United’s summer recruitment strategy.

The dependable Laurie Whitwell has now also given the Magpies credit for having a “serious interest” in signing McTominay, giving credence to their continued desire to recruit the academy graduate.

Newcastle is believed to have expressed interest in the midfielder as early as January, but the Red Devils did not contemplate a midseason transfer.

Due to the injuries to Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beed, United’s own midfield options were limited at the moment, which led Ten Hag to borrow Marcel Sabitzer.

Even before that, McTominay was frequently used in Casemiro’s absence because there was no other player on the team who could provide the team with his physicality and defensive acumen.

The numbers issue will, however, be less of a concern in the summer with Eriksen already back and Van de Beek returning in the coming months.

Ten Hag is also eager to raise the calibre of his available choices in the middle, which would cause McTominay to drop even farther down the lineup.

The Scotland star is expected to cost a sizeable transfer fee given his Premier League experience and skill set, especially if he were to join a top four opponent.

With a number of crucial areas in need of investment, that would go some way towards enhancing United’s flexibility in the summer transfer window.

Additionally, given that earlier rumours indicated that a fee of roughly £50 million would be in the works, United may try to move the McTominay situation ahead quickly in order to make room for this investment.

Ten Hag also needs a new midfielder and a centre forward, and there are also discussions about the goalkeeper and right back positions.

The development of Scott McTominay at Manchester United might be crucial in hastening Erik ten Hag’s redevelopment.