Newcastle United sign Sunderland midfielder in surprise deal

Turner-Cooke has signed a professional deal at the Premier League club which runs until the summer of 2023. The attacking midfielder had previously played for Sunderland’s Under-18 and Under-23 sides.

The 17-year-old tweeted: “Proud moment signing a professional contract @NUFC. Hard work Continues. Thank you to the players and staff @SunderlandAFC for the last 7 years, good luck for the future.”

Turner-Cooke’s father is former Sunderland player and kitman John Cooke, who was controversially let go by the League One club without any public acknowledgement this season after 35 years service. Turner-Cooke will join Newcastle’s Academy set-up.

Meanwhile, United head coach Steve Bruce is looking to strengthen his senior squad with one or more loan signings in this month’s transfer window. Bruce said today: “We’ve got one or two things which might materialise. I can’t see much being done. We’ll still keep working away.”