England midfielder signs Newcastle United contract as Liverpool man responds

Newcastle United teenager star Lewis Miley has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The midfielder has regularly trained with Eddie Howe’s first-team this season and made his debut during the 5-0 win over Al Hilal in December. A week later, he then featured against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano in front of 34,000 fans at St James’ Park.

Miley, who has been on United’s books since the age of seven, was named on the bench for the Magpies’ Premier League visit to Bournemouth in February. Miley is highly-rated nationally having earned 10 caps for England under-17s.

“Everyone at the Academy is delighted to see Lewis sign his first professional contract at the club,” said Steve Harper, the club’s head of academy. “He’s been with us from a very early age and credit goes to everyone who has played a part to date.

“The admirable support from his family has been very important too but, ultimately, it is Lewis who deserves the most credit. His hard work, attitude to learning, and training as well as his technical ability has got him to this point. The contract is a fitting reward for his progress.”

Miley took to Instagram to react to the news and said: “Delighted to have signed my first professional contract with my boyhood club, can’t wait to keep pushing forward!!”.

Among those to congratulate the 17-year-old were Paul Dummett, Elliot Anderson and young Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark. Clark, son of Newcastle legend Lee, played with Miley in United’s academy before joining Liverpool two years ago.

Clark’s departure was a huge blow to the Magpies but since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Partners and RB Sports & Media took over from Mike Ashley in October 2021, plans have been put in place by sporting director Dan Ashworth to prevent the club from losing its hottest prospects.

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