Newcastle United close in on double transfer swoop as bid ‘accepted’

Newcastle United are reportedly set to sign Port Vale youngster Michael Mills after having a bid accepted by the League One club.

As per Football Insider, the 14-year-old winger recently impressed whilst on trial, and the Magpies have moved quickly to secure his services amid interest from a number of clubs. It’s suggested the offer could rise to £200,000.

Since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Partners and RB Sports & Media took ownership of the Magpies in October 2021, a lot of investment has gone towards the academy. Sporting director Dan Ashworth has restructured the academy by creating a number of new coaching and scouting positions.

Paul Midgley (Head of Head of Youth Recruitment), Paul Mclaren (Head of National Youth Scouting 13s to 18s) and Ciaran Hughes (Lead Video Analyst) have joined from Manchester City, as have Edward Black (Lead Academy Scout U9s to U14s), Delroy Ebanks (Academy Lead Scout for the South of England), Josh Appleyard (Positional Analyst), Oliver Slater (Positional Analyst) from Arsenal, West Ham, Norwich City and Blackburn, respectively.

A fortnight, it was also confirmed Claire Burrows had been appointed Recruitment Operations Manager after three-and-a-half years at Leicester City. Andy Basterfield ended his 11-year spell at Manchester United to join as North West Regional Scout (under-13s to 18s).

Asides from staffing positions, Newcastle have attracted some exciting young players. Last summer, Alex Murphy joined from League of Ireland side Galway United, while Scotland youth international Charlie McArthur moved down from Kilmarnock.

Newcastle are expected to complete the £6million signing of Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh from Norwegian club Odense Boldklub in the coming weeks.

It’s likely the 18-year-old will take a similar developmental pathway to Garang Kuol. The Australian joined from A-League side Central Coast Mariners in January before going on loan to Hearts.