Newcastle United agree Scottish Premiership move for academy star despite Garang Kuol struggles

Newcastle United youngster Jay Turner-Cooke is set for a summer exit, with Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone close to sealing a loan deal for the teenager.

Turner-Cooke has been one of the under-21 side’s rising stars over the last 12 months, with the midfielder regularly called up to train with Eddie Howe’s first-team.

The 19-year-old underlined that progress by heavy involvement in the club’s pre-season, scoring in the summer opener - a 3-2 win over National League side Gateshead.

Turner-Cooke spend a chunk of last season on loan with Tranmere Rovers and will be looking to kick on north of the border with the Saints, who currently sit at the bottom of the 12-team Scottish top flight.

Sources in Scotland suggest the player will be handed an integral central midfield role, utilising the player’s box-to-box ability, rather than seem him played in his more usual academy role, on the right-hand side.

The move may raise some eyebrows among the Magpies’ faithful, particularly given Garang Kuol’s failed loan spell in the same division with Hearts last season.

Speaking after his pre-season goal at Gateshead’s International Stadium, Turner-Cooke underlined where he sees his playing future - and it seems to fit with St Johnstone boss Steven MacLean’s loan plan.

He said: “That’s what I wanted to do today - show people, show the manager what I can do. Thankfully I’ve come on and scored a goal and hopefully that will stand me in good stead.

“The goal was to go on and try and give the manager and his team something to think about, and I think we all did that, to be fair. I probably see myself more as a midfielder, like a 6. I love getting on the ball and making things happen. That’s what I want to do with any chance I get. Hopefully everyone has seen a bit of what I can do today, but there is so much more to come.”