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Newcastle United’s midfield rebuild has largely centered on young players with room to grow, but the club’s next move could go in a very different direction as Matthias Jaissle looks for more experience following a summer of major senior departures. Newcastle Turns to Ligue 1 Captain as No. 1 Target to Replace Bruno Guimaraes According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna and Chemssdine Belgacem, Marseille captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has emerged as one of Newcastle’s leading options to replace Bruno Guimaraes, with sporting director Ross Wilson directly handling the pursuit. “According to our information, Newcastle have added the 31-year-old Marseille midfielder to their shortlist,” Foot Mercato reported. “Seeking consistency and a more assertive midfield, the Magpies see Højbjerg as the ideal candidate to solidify their midfield.” The report adds that Newcastle’s interest is built heavily around Hojbjerg’s Premier League experience after his previous spells with Southampton and Tottenham, with Sky Sports’ Keith Downie confirming the interest. “The former Southampton and Tottenham player’s extensive knowledge of the Premier League is a major asset for the English club, who are keen to quickly secure the services of a player who can contribute immediately,” the outlet reported. Foot Mercato also says Wilson is personally leading the pursuit as Newcastle look to fill the leadership void created by Bruno’s departure with a fellow veteran instead of yet another youngster. “Wilson hopes to capitalize on the Dane’s experience to provide the necessary leadership and offer his manager a midfielder well-versed in the most demanding competitions,” the report says. Hojbjerg has 254 Premier League appearances and 97 Denmark caps, while Marseille’s financial situation could make a deal possible if Newcastle decide to move. According to The Sun, the OM captain could be available for as little as £115 million. This link is truly a surprising one given Newcastle’s emphasis this summer on younger players with high ceilings, but it fits recent reports indicating the club wants at least one established voice after losing Bruno, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. That said, and while it came out of the absolute left field, the confirmation from Sky Sports and other well established outlets surely makes it look like there’s smoke in the air, and you know what usually comes next. Would Hojbjerg be the right veteran presence for Newcastle’s new midfield, or should the club aim higher with Bruno’s replacement? Let us know your thoughts in the Coming Home Newcastle comments section below.