Newcastle now have the chance to get rid of 23-year-old who impressed Howe last year

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Kell Watts has only just returned to Newcastle United, but now the defender might have another chance to leave.

The 23-year-old was back with the first-team as they reported for pre-season training on Sunday, as Eddie Howe begins to prepare his Newcastle players for what could be another very exciting season.

But while he is training with the first-team, it is unlikely that Watts will have a part to play. He has never played a competitive game under Howe, and still only has one competitive appearance in his entire Toon career. That came in 2020 when Steve Bruce brought him off the bench in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Since then, Watts has been on loan at Plymouth Argyle, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United. He has spent the last three seasons in League One, but has been unable to get a chance on Tyneside.

That is despite the fact Howe was impressed with Watts during pre-season last summer.

The centre-back now has another chance to impress the Toon manager, although his days at the club could be numbered.

Wigan Athletic eye Kell Watts reunion

That is because one of his former clubs are looking to re-sign Watts.

According to Wigan Today, Wigan are interested in signing Watts again ahead of next season. He is someone who manager Shaun Maloney would like to add to his squad.

You have to imagine that Newcastle would be open to a deal, as his contract at St James’ Park expires next summer. It is incredibly unlikely that he is going to get a chance with the Magpies, and his minutes will only diminish further if Howe gets the new centre-back that he is after.

So with Wigan eyeing a reunion with Watts, now could be the perfect time for the 6ft 4in defender to say goodbye to Newcastle United.

He has proven himself in League One before, while he performed well during his stint with the Latics during the 2021/22 campaign. A return to Greater Manchester could be best for all concerned.