Matthew Bondswell, released by RB Leipzig inside the January market is, according to the Daily Telegraph, set to sign for the Magpies and team up with Chris Hogg’s under-23s.
Because of the timing of his release, the 18-year-old left-back could theoretically be involved in United’s Premier League run-in, if he impresses, of course.
Bondswell’s season-long loan at Dutch side FC Dordrecht was cut short at the halfway point in order to negotiate his exit from the Bundesliga club and find a suitor in England.
Early reports suggest it is a decent coup for Newcastle after beating Leeds United and West Ham United to the former Nottingham Forest youth product’s signature.
Meanwhile, United are one of a number of clubs credited with interest in Celtic defender Jack Hendry.
As reported by 90min, a summer deal is slightly complicated but not entirely impossible.
Hendry is on loan at Belgian club KV Oostende, who have an option to buy the Scotland international at the end of the season for around £2million.
Effectively, Oostende can then sell for a quick profit with £10m the rumoured asking price – money Celtic would not see.
It is claimed Aston Villa, Brighton and Wolves are keen while the Magpies, Leicester, West Ham and Crystal Palace have kept tabs on his progress.
Oostende are fully aware of the emerging interest. In an ideal world, they would prefer to keep him but are open to the idea of cashing in immediately.
French club Amiens did the same when United signed Emil Krafth in 2020. He was bought for around £1.7m then sold to St James’s Park for £5m.
Here are the latest transfer headlines from Newcastle and their Premier League rivals:
. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: A general view of the sun setting behind the West stand of St James' Park, during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on January 03, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
St James's Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
. Werner could leave Chelsea
Chelsea striker Timo Werner may quit the club in the summer, just one year after his £45million move from RB Leipzig. There is a growing expectation that the German will return to his homeland “in the next year or two”. (Football Insider) Photo: Laurence Griffiths
9. Hendry attracting tons of interest
KV Oostende could sign Jack Hendry from Celtic for around £2million then offload him in the same summer for £10m. Aston Villa, Brighton and Wolves are keen, while Leicester, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Newcastle have kept tabs on his progress. (90min) Photo: VIRGINIE LEFOUR
10. NUFC & Palace should target Gerrard
Teams such as Crystal Palace and Newcastle should be 'knocking down the door' for Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, according to former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson. (Sky Sports) Photo: RUSSELL CHEYNE