The summer transfer window has only just closed, but Newcastle are already making plans for January after scouting Rangers teen Cole McKinnon.
That’s according to the Scottish Sun, who state that the Magpies have been watching the 19-year-old already this season.
He is currently on loan at Partick Thistle, having signed a new contract with Rangers in the summer until 2025.
However, Newcastle are potentially eyeing a move after being impressed with what they’ve seen of the young Scottish midfielder.
Newcastle eye January deal for Cole McKinnon
The Scottish Sun state that the Magpies are weighing up a January move for McKinnon. He has obviously caught the eye north of the border, and has enjoyed a bright start to life on loan at Partick Thistle.
The youngster has made six appearances so far, scoring twice and providing one assist.
This is McKinnon’s second loan spell away from Rangers, having spent a few months at East Fife back in 2021.
They are a club that Newcastle know well, having recently signed goalkeeper Jude Smith from them. And now Sporting Director Dan Ashworth could be doing business in Scotland again.
Potentially another Dan Ashworth masterstroke
As well as first-team additions, Ashworth has made an effort to boost the club’s youth ranks. He helped Newcastle sign multiple teenagers over the summer who will hope to become future stars at St James’ Park.
Alex Murphy and Charlie McArthur are very highly rated, while the aforementioned Smith has already been training with Eddie Howe and the first-team.
That speaks volumes about the calibre of youngsters Newcastle are bringing in now. Hopefully McKinnon falls into the same bracket.
If Newcastle do sign the Rangers ace, he will be the third youth player signed by the club since Ashworth started as Sporting Director. It is clearly a market that he thinks there is value in.
While the transfer window has only just closed, the search for new recruits continues. It especially will with regards to youth additions, as they will shape the future of the club and play a big part in Ashworth’s blueprint for Newcastle.
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