Newcastle now battling PL rivals for teenage goalkeeper who just featured at youth World Cup

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Newcastle United are now showing interest in Ajax goalkeeper Tommy Setford who is attracting a lot of interest from English teams for his performances in the Netherlands and internationally.

Tommy and his brother Charlie Setford, who is being watched by Chelsea, were born and raised in the Netherlands but have chosen to represent England because of their father and could now both be looking at a move to the Premier League.

TEAMtalk are now reporting that Newcastle have entered a transfer battle alongside Tottenham for the signature of the teenage goalkeeper.

Newcastle looking to bolster goalkeeping ranks

It’s been a long time since a quality goalkeeper came through the ranks of Newcastle’s academy with the most recent being Freddie Woodman who was let go after a string of poor performances at the start of the 2021/22 season.

With Setford just 17-years-old, the shot-stopper has a long way to go in his development at Ajax, but he has already started to show signs of a top player which has peaked Newcastle’s interest.

The teenager has been part of Ajax’s Under-18s squad and is yet to be included in the first team, but very recently represented England at the Under-17 World Cup and has been tipped to have a very bright future ahead of him.

Newcastle’s academy have struggled in recent years, though a first victory in the UEFA Youth League against PSG on Tuesday suggests that things have finally changed and that was a huge step in the right direction.

Newcastle may have to battle Tottenham for Setford

Newcastle will have to put together a strong and attractive offer for Setford if they are to attract the youngster away from his life at Ajax at this early stage in his career.

The possibility of living in London will no doubt be a big consideration for the 17-year-old, but Newcastle will be focusing on their long-term project and how Setford could become a big part in that down the line if he continues to improve.

With the right coaching under Eddie Howe and the right environment, there’s no telling how far Setford can go and he will soon have some big decisions to make as he looks to progress his career.