Newcastle hold talks with Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt - Report

Newcastle United's search for a dynamic midfielder to replace Sandro Tonali has taken them back to Germany.

After missing out on Johan Manzambi of Freiburg, it looks as though the search hasn't taken the Magpies too far, as they are now said to be in talks with representatives of Eintracht Frankfurt's 22-year-old Swedish midfielder Hugo Larsson.

Johan Manzambi was the first-choice replacement for Tonali, and after initial talks were full of promise, the lure of Champions League football was just too great, so whenAston Villa came knocking, that's where the Swiss star opted to go.

Newcastle officials never felt a sense of commitment from Manzambi, however, so the search for alternatives continued, which ultimately turned out to be a wise move.

Newcastle are in talks with Hugo Larsson

That search has brought them to Hugo Larsson, according to a report from Football Transfers; however, Newcastle will once again face stiff competition from within the Premier League.

Manchester United are also reported to be in talks with Larsson's people, which would really throw a spanner in the works for Newcastle if history tells us anything.

Larsson made 34 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt last season in all competitions, contributing three goals and two assists from a mostly defensive midfield role. He was also involved in Sweden's World Cup qualification campaign but wasn't involved in the competition.

Larsson is valued at £42.5m

Eintracht Frankfurt value Larsson at €50 million (£42.5 million), which puts him right at the top end of that £20m-£40m-ish bracket that Newcastle are looking at this summer.

Football Transfers has given a bit of hope for Newcastle with their claims that Manchester United could be looking to land more of a marquee signing for their midfield next, and Larsson doesn't fit that bill.

Arsenal have also looked at Larsson, so he's attracting the right attention. Hugo Larsson seems to fit the bill for a Newcastle signing, so it's one to watch.

Rumour Rating: 6/10 - Football Transfers have a mixed record at breaking exclusives, so we've got the salt out, but Hugo Larsson definitely ticks all the boxes.