Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Charlie McArthur this summer.
That’s according to the Scotsman, who claim the Magpies are very keen to snap up the 17-year-old defender.
McArthur is a centre-back who plays for Kilmarnock, where he’s already made his first-team debut despite his tender age.
The Magpies are reportedly yet to agree a deal, but a move for the teenager would represent another step in the right direction for the club’s academy.
Newcastle’s record of bringing young players up through the ranks in recent years isn’t great. The last player to truly establish himself as a first-team regular after coming through the academy is Sean Longstaff.
Elliot Anderson will hope to do the same in the coming years, while Newcastle will want to increase their talent pool over the coming years.
Newcastle looking to boost youth ranks
They’ve already done that this summer with the addition of Alex Murphy from Galway, and now McArthur could follow him to St James’ Park.
It had been claimed by the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath that Newcastle are close to completing a deal for the Killie defender. The Scotsman’s report suggests that a deal isn’t quite on the horizon, but he is a player the Magpies want to sign.
McArthur is an exciting talent, and someone who already has experience of senior football. He played four times for Kilmarnock this season – once in the Scottish Championship and three times in the Challenge Cup.
Brian McLaughlin comments show why Newcastle want to sign ‘incredible’ Charlie McArthur
He’s also a regular for the Scotland Under-17s side, where he’s worn the captain’s armband on multiple occasions.
McArthur recently featured in the Under-17 European Championship, captaining his country in all three group games. They sadly lost each fixture and were knocked out early, but the teenage defender impressed his manager Brian McLaughlin, particularly with his performance against Denmark.
“I felt Charlie McArthur was incredible today,” he said.
“On the ball he was excellent, without the ball he was blocking tackles. His all-round leadership was immense. He should be proud of that performance.”
That’s special praise from McLaughlin, and he’s described everything you’d want from a defender. That’s why McArthur is so highly rated, and that’s why Newcastle want to sign him.
Under Ashworth’s guidance, Newcastle don’t want to just rely on signing ready-made senior players. They want to be able to turn to their academy and see if they have someone who is ready to step up.
To do that we need better recruitment at youth level, and a clearer path to the first-team. Ashworth will be key to that, and signing the likes of McArthur is a step in the right direction.
Hopefully he joins, and hopefully he ends up having a successful career on Tyneside.
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