Newcastle reportedly want £25m midfielder that Eddie Howe labelled ‘very consistent’ in 2019

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Newcastle United could look to form a reunion between Eddie Howe and Bournemouth star Jefferson Lerma – a player Howe raved about in 2019.

Lerma, 27, remains Howe’s most-expensive ever transfer – bringing in the Colombia international for a fee of £25million in 2018 (90Min).

Since then, he has been a mainstay in the Bournemouth side – clocking up 127 outings. A touch-tackling midfielder, who is renowned for his stamina.

Little surprise then, that in Howe’s first job since being sacked as Bournemouth manager after relegation – that he is said to want Lerma.

90Min report that Lerma is one of three players he signed for Bournemouth, that he wants to take to Newcastle. Lloyd Kelly is another.

The third being Nathan Ake – who has since joined Manchester City from Bournemouth for a fee of £40million. Howe is a big fan of Lerma.

Discussing Lerma in 2019, Howe told Bournemouth’s website: “He is fully committed, wholehearted and very consistent, day to day.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Jefferson, very low maintenance. Not someone I have to manage too much. I’ve been really happy with him.”

Howe on Lerma: His bite is what Newcastle lack in midfield

Newcastle have a couple of decent central midfielders. Jonjo Shelvey is an excellent passer of the ball – but lacks stamina and defensive nous.

Isaac Hayden works incredibly hard, but lacks the footballing brain or the passing ability of Shelvey. Sean Longstaff has huge potential.

But he is still far from the polished article – and Joe Willock is much of a number 10. Newcastle need a bit of nastiness in the middle of the park.

One with the stamina, the passing range, the technical ability and the brain – but also a player that will pick up a yellow where necessary.

In 127 games for Bournemouth, Lerma has picked up 40 yellow cards. It is his job to disrupt. That bite is just what the Toon lack, and need.