Defender set to become Newcastle United’s third summer signing as Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike deals stall

Newcastle United are reportedly set to add one of Scotland’s brightest young talents to their youth ranks.

Following the completion of a permanent move for Matt Targett, much of the focus has been set on ongoing talks with Lille defender Sven Botman and Reims forward Hugo Ekitike.

But the Magpies are quietly looking to strengthen their academy during the coming weeks and have already completed a deal for Galway United’s highly-rated full-back Alex Murphy earlier this month.

Now a second youngster looks set to move to Tyneside as newly-appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth looks set to bring in a player previously linked with his former club Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Daily Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has reported United are closing in on a move to sign Kilmarnock’s Scotland youth international centre-back Charlie McArthur.

The 17-year-old prospect made his senior debut last season in a 3-1 Scottish Challenge Cup win against Queen’s Park and was handed a league with a 45-minute appearance in a season-ending 1-1 draw with Championship rivals Raith Rovers.

McArthur has also earned 11 Scotland Under-17 caps and captained the side on his last six appearances.

The report suggested Kilmarnock are ‘pessimisitic’ about their chances of holding on to one of their brightest prospects as United prepare to make their move.