Newcastle transfer news: Magpies interested in Rangers teen Jack Wylie

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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Rangers academy player Jack Wylie.

That is according to the Athletic, who believe that the Magpies are one of multiple Premier League clubs that are keen to snap up the promising 15-year-old.

The other rumoured clubs are Manchester United and Arsenal, with the Daily Record recently claiming that the Gunners are leading the race to sign the teenager.

However, the Athletic add that Rangers are keen to retain Wylie, who is one of the brightest prospects at Ibrox right now.

Wylie is currently a right-back, but started his career in midfield. But Rangers have moulded him into a defender, and the Athletic add that his long term future could be at centre-back.

That kind of versatility will appeal to Newcastle, but whichever club does try and sign him will have to wait until next year. English clubs cannot sign the youngster until he turns 16, which will happen in August 2023.

The Athletic add that Wylie has enjoyed a ‘rapid development’ over the past year, and in 12 months he could be at a Premier League club. Newcastle are in the mix to sign him, as they look to boost their academy ranks following the appointment of Dan Ashworth.

Jack Wylie the latest name on Dan Ashworth’s radar

It was only last week that Fabrizio Romano reported that Newcastle had been trying to sign Kylan Midwood from Sheffield United. However, the 15-year-old is joining Manchester City instead.

Now Newcastle are linked with another defender, Scottish youngster Wylie. He is the latest example of Newcastle trying to improve the calibre of players in their academy.

There has been a conscious effort by the club to improve the youth setup since Ashworth became Sporting Director. While big money has been spent on the likes of Alexander Isak, there have also been plenty of signings for the future.

17-year-old Charlie McArthur arrived from Kilmarnock, while 18-year-old Alex Murphy swapped Irish side Galway United for Newcastle United. He recently played for the senior side in the friendly with Al Hilal.

Elsewhere, Garang Kuol is set to become a Magpie next month. He is one of most in demand teenagers around, and Newcastle have been able to sign him.

In the past, the Magpies would not be this proactive when it comes to their academy. It has often been an afterthought, with limited players progressing up to the first team.

But that will begin to change following the change of ownership and Ashworth’s appointment. More and more youngsters will have a clear path from academy to senior side.

Wylie could soon be on that journey himself – if Newcastle can complete a deal to sign him when he turns 16 in August next year.