Newcastle United ‘complete’ striker signing amid Arsenal and Spurs interest

Newcastle United have reportedly beaten Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Southend United striker Kacey Wooster.

The Southend Echo has revealed the Magpies have completed the signing of the 16-year-old starlet after agreeing an initial five-figure sum with the National League club.

Wooster made his Shrimpers Under-18s debut at the age of just 14 but has now become the latest new addition to the Magpies academy as they look to boost their youth ranks ahead of the new season. Southend will also benefit from a number of clauses placed into the agreement should the youngster progress during his time at St James Park.

United have also recently agreed deals for Port Vale winger Michael Mills and Oldham Athletic youngster Sam Alabi over the last two months and are believed to be targeting a number of other prospects. The Magpies are said to be closing in on a deal for England Under-16s full-back Leo Shahar as talks over a deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster continue.

Republic of Ireland youth international midfielder Romeo Akachukwu also visited Tyneside earlier this month and scored for the club’s Under-18s in a 6-0 win over Carlisle United before featuring for the Magpies Under-21s in friendlies against Hebburn Town and Spennymoor Town.

Several other young prospects have been linked with moves to Tyneside in recent weeks including former West Ham United midfielder Divine Mukasa and Birmingham City winger Trevan Sunasi.