Despite abundance of options midfield does need strengthening

The Senegalese international has also been attracting the attention of Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Aston Villa and Bolton during the transfer window.

The tough tackling midfielder is reportedly valued in the £2million bracket and if he were to move would become our 5^th central midfielder to accompany Jenas, Dyer, Bowyer and Butt.

Speaking to skysports.com, his agent Willie McKay said, ‘Newcastle have expressed an interest in Amdy and there is a meeting planned between Freddy Shepherd, Milan Mandaric and Peter Storrie to discuss things regarding Amdy.’

‘There are a number of clubs interested in Amdy. Birmingham have had one offer rejected and now Newcastle are keen. Three other clubs have also been asked to be kept informed of the situation.’

‘I am working with Portsmouth to find a solution. It is not a cloak and dagger thing. I am talking to Milan Mandaric and Amdy and if it is a good move for Amdy and for Portsmouth, something could happen and if not he will stay at Portsmouth until June at least.’

News of the link comes as a surprise to most Toon fans who were expecting Souness to pursue either a new defender or perhaps a striker.

But, just because we have an abundance of options in the middle of the park, doesn’t necessarily mean we are strong in that position. Quite the opposite in fact, I believe that we lose a lot of games as a result of losing the midfield battle. Butt gave us something we were in need of for a long time but now looks set to miss the remainder of the season. The addition of Faye or a player of his ilk would toughen what is fast becoming a soft centre with Jenas way off form and Bowyer and Dyer offering much effort but little quality.