Newcastle now in advanced talks to sign 18-year-old winger, defender deal also likely

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on deals for two Irish teenagers as Dan Ashworth continues to strengthen the Magpies’ youth squad.

The Toon sporting director proved at Brighton that he has an eye for talent, snapping up young players who quickly flourished into Premier League stars.

He is now looking to do the same at Newcastle, as he boosts the club’s youth academy with talented fresh faces.

We saw the likes of Alex Murphy arrive last summer, and he has already impressed Eddie Howe. The Irish defender was on Newcastle’s trip to America, and earned big praise for his performance against Chelsea.

Now two more young Irishmen could be on their way to Tyneside – via Milan.

Newcastle look to sign Kevin Zefi and Cathal Heffernan

It was recently reported that Newcastle want to sign Kevin Zefi from Inter Milan. Now the Irish examiner have provided an update on the club’s pursuit of the 18-year-old.

They report that Newcastle are in advanced negotiations with Inter Milan about signing Zefi.

However, he is not the only teenager who the Magpies are trying to bring to Tyneside from the fashion capital of the world.

The Irish Examiner add that 19-year-old defender Cathal Heffernan is likely to leave AC Milan and sign for Newcastle. They state that he has been on trial with the Magpies, and that he should finalise a move in the next 48 hours.

He joined the Italian side last year, but could become the second AC Milan player this summer to head to St James’ Park after Sandro Tonali.

This deal is not as high profile, but it is further proof of Newcastle’s commitment to the future. They are signing players who are not going to have an immediate impact, but could end up saving the club millions in years to come if they are developed and nurtured correctly.

The Heffernan deal sounds like it is a goer, and hopefully he is followed to the North East by Zefi. They are obviously two players who have a lot of potential, which is why Ashworth wants them at Newcastle United.

There is a clear path from youth level to the first-team at Newcastle right now, so hopefully we see more and more deals like this happen in the near future.