Newcastle could now let ‘hard working’ 21-year-old player leave the club this week

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Newcastle United could be about to let go of an academy prospect who fans had high hopes for once upon a time.

While we have seen midfielders like Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson develop into Premier League players, it has been a long time since a striker came through the Newcastle United academy.

Andy Carroll was probably the last to emerge and truly establish himself at St James’ Park, which tells you all you need to know.

Toon fans were hopeful that Dylan Stephenson would buck that trend, having scored plenty of goals at youth level.

However, it looks like his Newcastle career could be about to come to an end without even making his competitive debut.

Dylan Stephenson expected to leave Newcastle this week

According to Newcastle World, the Magpies are willing to let Stephenson leave the club on loan for the rest of the season during the January transfer window.

That would effectively signal the end of his Toon career, as the 21-year-old’s contract at St James’ Park expires in the summer. The report adds that there have been no talks about him extending his current deal.

Newcastle World state that a decision over Stephenson’s future is expected be made this week, with clubs in the Scottish Championship, National League and National League North keen on his signature. Hartlepool United are named as a potential suitor.

Stephenson was with the Newcastle first-team a year ago

Talk of an imminent exit comes just over a year since he was involved in the first-team at Newcastle.

Stephenson has never played a competitive game for the club, but he has featured in friendlies. He was part of the squad that travelled to Saudi Arabia in December 2022, and actually scored in a 5-0 win over Al Hilal. Eddie Howe expressed his delight after the game, describing Stephenson as ‘hard working’.

That then led to a loan move to Hamilton Academical, where he scored just once.

Stephenson has been back with the Newcastle Under-21s this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in Premier League 2.

Now a move away appears to be on the horizon, and it could come as soon as this week. Hopefully he impresses wherever he goes, and that can lead to him winning a permanent deal in the summer.