'Amazing' - Newcastle United beat Arsenal as new signing spotted with Paul Mitchell

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Arsenal are among the clubs Newcastle United beat to sign the highly-rated 17-year-old.

Newcastle United welcomed a new signing to Tyneside over the weekend.

Highly-rated Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia has agreed to join the Magpies from Dinamo Tbilisi. The transfer will become official when Salia turns 18 in August.

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During his visit, Salia was videoed visiting the club’s Benton training ground where he spoke to sporting director Paul Mitchell, head coach Eddie Howe and some of his future teammates.

Vaktang Salia will officially join Newcastle United in August. (Photo credit: NUFCTV)Vaktang Salia will officially join Newcastle United in August. (Photo credit: NUFCTV)
Vaktang Salia will officially join Newcastle United in August. (Photo credit: NUFCTV) | NUFCTV

Salia then took his place in the St James’ Park stands as Newcastle came from behind to beat Bromley 3-1 in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

Speaking to the NUFCTV, Salia said: “I have been to the academy, training ground and the stadium - it is amazing. It is my dream to play there, I think it is everyone’s dream to play there!

“When I heard Newcastle were interested me, motivation comes naturally. First time I heard I couldn’t believe it because it was big news for me.

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“I think I have to work more to come here. To come into Europe after Georgia it will be really difficult, I have to exercise and work more.

“It is a big challenge for me. I have this motivation to play outside of Georgia. It is a move every professional player has to make to follow their teams.”

Howe’s side beaten several top European clubs to Salia’s signature. As previously reported by NewcastleWorld, Arsenal thought they had won the race for Salia at one stage, only for the player to move to Newcastle.

"We're delighted to get ahead of a number of other top clubs to sign Vakhtang,” said Mitchell in October. "Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.

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"We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.

"We look forward to working with Vakhtang and wish him every success during his remaining time with Dinamo Tbilisi."

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