Aston Villa and Newcastle United are both keen on signing Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier this month (h/t Hartlepool Mail). The 20-year-old has been a regular starter for the Teessiders this season, starting 17 consecutive games in the Championship.
It’s suggested that both teams have Tavernier on their radar, with Dean Smith and Steve Bruce looking for a spark in the attack (h/t Hartlepool Mail).
Tavernier has caught the eye with two goals and two assists this season, continuing his development under Jonathan Woodgate. It would be particularly fascinating if Newcastle signed the winger, as it has been five-and-a-half years since the Magpies sold Tavernier’s brother James, who now plays for Rangers.
The right-back wasn’t given enough chances at Newcastle and it would be interesting to see whether younger brother Marcus could fare any better at St. James’ Park.
The 20-year-old only made his debut for Boro in the Championship a couple of years ago, before the midfielder spent the second half of the last campaign on loan at MK Dons.
Aston Villa have been hit by injuries and have been heavily reliant on Jack Grealish. McGinn is out injured and their first game of the new decade saw Heaton and Westley being substituted off. Both of them have been diagnosed with serious injuries and are expected to be out for a lengthy period of time.
Newcastle have found goal-scoring difficult as well. They lost Rondon and Ayoze Perez last summer and brought in Joelinton. The striker managed to score against Spurs but that remains his only goal this season in the league. They recently suffered a heavy defeat against Leicester, who also won the return leg 5-0.
Aston Villa seem like the perfect destination for Tavernier. Although Newcastle may come up with an offer, he would thrive under manager Dean Smith. He is known to improve the efficiency of young players and the prospect of playing alongside Grealish might tempt the player to join Villa.