'Wow' - New Newcastle United signing spotted at St James' Park as 'two-year deal' agreed

Following the arrivals of John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos, Newcastle have also handed out a professional contract to teenage goalkeeper James Taylor.

The youngster is understood to have agreed a two-year deal at Newcastle and will join up with the club’s academy side. Taylor represented Hemel Hempstead in the National League South last season as well as captaining England Schoolboys Under-18s.

Taylor’s school, Samuel Whitbread Academy, confirmed the move on social media by posting an image of the goalkeeper holding up a Newcastle 2024-25 shirt at St James’ Park along with the caption: “Wow! “We are pleased to announce that our 1st XI Captain & GK James Taylor has earned a two-year professional contract at premier league side @NUFC. “After captaining England Schoolboys, he now makes the next step in his journey, proud of you JT!”

Taylor made four appearances in the National League South for Hemel Hempstead during the 2023-24 campaign and also kept a clean sheet and was named man of the month on his FA Cup debut at just 17-years-old last September.

Earlier this month, Newcastle confirmed 11 academy players had signed their first professional contracts with the club. Aidan Harris, Dylan Charlton, Anthony Munda, twin brothers Harry and Rory Powell, Johnny Emerson, Sean Neave, Scott Bailey, Josh Donaldson, Adam Harrison and Darren Palmer have all agreed deals.

England Under-17s duo Leo Shahar and Trevan Sanusi also agreed professional contracts with Newcastle earlier this year after promising first seasons with the club’s academy.