Report: Newcastle 'have scouted' 25-year-old Dutch international who has been likened to Andrea Pirlo

Newcastle United fans are desperate to see Eddie Howe fill that 'number six' void that has been a big missing piece of the puzzle this season.

Playing without that defensive midfielder makes those who are playing much more prone to errors as they have to be everywhere all at once. Having Joelinton in the side often alleviates the problem of not playing with a central defensive midfielder because he will always track back, but having someone whose strength it is to play in that position would be hugely beneficial.

The downside is, Eddie Howe would then have to take one of the more creative midfielders out of the side to accommodate the CDM. But ... what if you could have both?

That's what Newcastle could get if they bring in their latest scouting target.

Newcastle have their eye on Joey Veerman

A report in iNews has claimed that the Magpies recently scouted PSV's creative number six, Joey Veerman with a view to making a summer move.

Veerman is a Dutch international who plays centre-mid for PSV, but has also covered at CDM and even attacking midfield. He's got the lot.

This season he's made 36 appearances in all competitions popping up with six goals and 14 assists.

We have everything crossed that this link is true

Veerman's passing is his biggest strength and the 25-year-old is able to create something out of nothing with former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat cooing over him in November last year, comparing him to Andrea Pirlo. (via Squawka)

“Delicious balls, all tailor-made. It all looks very easy for him. It took no effort for Pirlo either. Everything is so relaxed, off the cuff. He also likes to play football. I like it when a player does that. Footballers like Veerman are of a dying breed. That’s why I love those kinds of players,”

Dick loves Veerman's delicious balls? GROW UP!

The lack of further details in the iNews report is a worry, suggesting that we may not have gone beyond the looking phase, but if we are really in the running for Veerman, then we're definitely excited.