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Newcastle and Wigan fans react as Kell Watts signs new Magpies contract

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Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic fans have been reacting to the news that youngster Kell Watts has signed a new contract with the club.

The central defender has committed his long-term future to the club, penning a two-year extension.

Watts is on a season-long loan with League One outfit Wigan at the moment.

Rotherham v Newcastle United: Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

He has enjoyed a healthy amount of opportunities there so far, making 26 appearances in the league.

The 22-year-old has now surpassed 100 career appearances, having also been on loan at Stevenage, Mansfield and Plymouth previously.

Speaking about his new deal, Watts said (via nufc.co.uk): “I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve been at the club since I was eight so I am buzzing to get a new contract.

“All my family are thrilled and I can’t wait to be working with the new manager next season.”

Watts has said that it’s his hope to get back to Newcastle and make an impression on new manager Eddie Howe.

The youngster met him for the first time recently being back at the club to sign his new contract and undertake all the subsequent media work.

It will be interesting to see if he manages to earn a place in the first-team squad next season.

Of course, the hope is that Newcastle will still be a Premier League club. If that’s the case, it could be difficult as there will likely be lots of money spent on new players in the summer window.

Watts was actually close to staying with the Newcastle first-team squad for the 2021/22 season after impressing Steve Bruce in pre-season.

Ultimately though, it was decided a loan move was the best thing for him.

Toon and Wigan fans react as Kell Watts signs new contract with Newcastle United

On social media, supporters have been reacting to the news that Kell Watts has signed a new contract with Newcastle.

It seems some Toon fans have mixed feelings about him. A few people aren’t sure if he’ll make the step up, but others are backing him to return and have some involvement under Howe.

Rotherham v Newcastle United: Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Some Wigan fans have also given their reactions.

Quite a few believe that this development harms their chances of the club landing him permanently.