To avoid the FFP On the January transfer headache, Newcastle already has Tonali as an alternative.

It was only at this stage of last season that Lewis Miley made his debut at under-21 level for Newcastle United. But much like the Magpies under Eddie Howe, the academy graduate’s trajectory has skyrocketed in a matter of months.

Miley was handed his first-team debut in the final-day draw at Chelsea last season, and came close to marking the occasion with a goal when his late effort clipped the crossbar. The 17-year-old’s stock grew further with an impressive display against the same opponents in pre-season, with the midfielder more than holding his own against the likes of Enzo Fernandez.

Miley’s loan request was later denied, and Howe stated that he planned to keep the talented young player in the senior setup for this season. The head coach is certain that the team has a “real talent” on their hands, even though the teenager was hooked at the half of their Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City last month.

Speaking after the friendly draw with Chelsea, Howe told reporters: “He looks like he can handle the environment he’s in. The next step for us is to push him. I’m sure he’ll get minutes this year.

“It’s a fine balance for me to protect him at times and push him at others. If you didn’t know his age, you wouldn’t say he was 17.”

However, this tightrope act of simultaneously protecting and develop Miley looks set to be seriously tested. Injuries and confirmation of Sandro Tonali’s ban means the teenager will surely be in line for a rotation role in the coming weeks.

Howe has just been able to welcome Joelinton and Joe Willock back into the fold, but in terms of midfield depth has now ruled out Elliot Anderson for several weeks due to a back problem. With Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy joining Harvey Barnes on the sidelines, the aforementioned duo will also likely be called upon to deputise on the left flank.

The Magpies have to juggle the Carabao Cup, the Champions League and the Premier League in the next three weeks, a timeframe which may come too soon for Miley as he returns from glandular fever. Despite this setback though, the versatile midfielder looks set for a more substantial role until at least the January transfer window.

Reports have understandably touted a number of midfielders with a St James’ Park switch to cover for Tonali’s absence. But January is a notoriously difficult window at the best of times, let alone when you have already have to get creative to work with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Newcastle may want a Kalvin Phillips or an equivalent elite option to cover as both a six and an eight, and this would undoubtedly be the preferred option. Yet the Magpies already do not have the scope to make too many mis-steps in the transfer market, and there is the very real prospect a suitable deal might not be in the table in three months