Newcastle United and Man United trial confirmed as ‘golden’ talent’ snubs Liverpool & Everton

Newcastle United are set to hand a trial to a ‘gifted’ Northern Irish youngster as they continue in their attempts to boost their youth ranks.

The Magpies have made several moves to strengthen their academy sides in recent weeks with the likes of Port Vale youngster Michael Mills, Oldham Athletic’s Sam Alabi, Luton Town teenager Sam Pinnington and Southend United forward Kacey Wooster all believed to have moved to Tyneside in recent months.

United have been linked with several Irish youngsters during that time and another has caught the eye during a recent tournament. Cliftonville youngster Coran Madden is believed to have impressed the Magpies and Premier League rivals Manchester United at the SuperCupNI tournament and opted to ignore offers from a number of other clubs to accept trials with two clubs that will compete in this season’s Champsion League.

The move was confirmed by Cliftonville’s head of youth Marc Smyth, who gave an indication of what the Magpies can expect from the youngster as he aims to earn a move to the Premier League.

He told Belfast Live: "Coran is just 14 and he is an exceptional talent. He can play 10, left wing, right wing - basically anywhere across the front.

"Coran is just 14 and he is an exceptional talent. He can play 10, left wing, right wing - basically anywhere across the front," said Smyth. He is the best young talent in the country. He recently won player of the tournament at this summer's SuperCupNI, playing for County Antrim.

"Coran has been with us since he was six years old and he is just a wonderful talent. And now there is a host of clubs after him. Every Premier League club has asked about him, but with the new rules a young player can only choose two clubs each year. So Coran has chosen Manchester United and Newcastle United.”

“We also had interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton and other clubs like Southampton and Leicester City. He is such a gifted player.”

Asked why the Madden and his family chose Man United and Newcastle United instead of other clubs, Smyth added: “I think those clubs sold their vision to Coran and his family. All we can do is guide them in terms of what we think would be good for the boy and the family.

“And also what would help the kid off the field. His dad is a Liverpool fan, so it definitely wasn’t any loyalties to either club. Manchester United and Newcastle United are massive clubs, and spoke well with the family and wanted to bring them over.

“There were clubs from all over the place interested in Coran. With the new rules you feel a bit embarrassed saying, ‘sorry, we thank you for your interest but we can’t take you up on your offer’.”