Toon keeping tabs on Bolton midfielder

Newcastle are said to be keeping tabs on Bolton Wanderers midfielder Mark Davies if reports in the local press are to be believed.

It is thought that the 23-year-old (very soon to be 24-year-old) is being looked at as an option to boost the central midfield area as the club seek to add more depth to a squad that, at times, has been left wanting this season.

Bolton are embroiled in a relegation battle, but should the worst happen and Owen Coyle's men end up plying their trade in the Championship next season, you can bet your bottom dollar that other teams will be looking to snap up the better players from their squad. In my view, Davies falls into that category and I've been nothing short of impressed with him every time I've seen him in action.

Owen Coyle may have likened the former England U19 international to Paul Gascoigne, but I fully believe that is a failed comparison as there aren't many players like Gazza. What I do see is a Paul Scholes type of player in Mark Davies. He'll work hard, spread the play and pop up in the box to add a finishing touch to an attacking move.

Do we really need him though? In my mind, no. We have Yohan Cabaye, Cheik Tiote, Danny Guthrie and Dan Gosling to start with, plus James Perch, Mehdi Abeid and perhaps Haris Vuckic if he can slot into midfield. He'd certainly be the attacking one of a midfield pairing anyway.

That's assuming we manage to keep hold of our current in the summer. Danny Guthrie is at risk of leaving the club in the summer as his contract expires so we could do with another midfielder if he does decide to journey on to pastures new. Other than that scenario, I fully believe we should be looking to strengthen elsewhere first. I won't mention where again as it's pretty common knowledge amongst all bloggers as, for once, we all share the same view on that particular debate...

So back to Davies. You've heard my opinion, but what about yours? Of course won't get very far without the obligatory YouTube videoto showcase the lad so here goes.

Worth a punt for a reasonable fee? Or money better off being spent elsewhere?