Newcastle are closing on agreement with Manchester City for midfielder Alfie Harrison.
The highly-rated 18-year-old has excelled in City’s academy and the Magpies are now closing in on a move.
The teenager is expected to undergo a medical at St James’ Park in the coming days should the two sides agree to a deal.
Harrison has drawn comparisons to City’s star striker Erling Haaland for his appearance, with the midfielder also posting impressive numbers when it comes to goals and assists for the club’s youth sides.
Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgely, who left Man City for the Magpies in 2022, is thought to have played a key role on the deal to bring Harrison to Tyneside.
Newcastle are on the cusp of signing highly-rated Man City midfielder Alfie Harrison
Magpies boss Eddie Howe is keen to bring in the teenager on a permanent deal
The news of a move for the highly-rated midfielder comes hours after it was confirmed that Joelinton would be ruled out for most of the season after thigh surgery.
The Brazilian was forced off during the Magpies’ FA Cup victory over rivals Sunderland on January 6.
Manager Eddie Howe had previously suggested the 27-year-old could be out for around six weeks but the decision to operate now means the player will be sidelined until at least May.
A statement from the club read: ‘Newcastle United can confirm that Joelinton has successfully undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained earlier this month.
‘The midfielder will now commence a period of rehabilitation overseen by the club’s medical team and is expected to return to action in May 2024.’
Meanwhile, Joelinton will miss most of the rest of the season after thigh surgery
The news is a further blow for Howe, who currently has a lengthy injury list to contend with.
Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Matt Targett and Nick Pope are among the players currently out of action.
