Newcastle United closing in on deal for record-breaking midfielder after social media hint

Finneran wrote himself into Blackburn’s history books in January by becoming their youngest-ever debutant at 15-years-old, 10 months and eight days. He was introduced as a late substitute in a FA Cup tie against Cambridge United.

The midfielder featured regularly for the under-21s last season and represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level. Rovers have tried to convince him to stay but a switch to the Premier League is edging closer.

"Rory is a really, really good footballer and he has very high potential," former Director of Football Gregg Broughton told the Lancashire Telegraph in March. He comes from a very good family network. I've had good dialogue with his father over the last six to 12 months.

"Rory is already playing up a year for Ireland. He's made his first-team debut and become the youngest-ever player for Blackburn Rovers. We remain hopeful that Rory will be here.

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"We are also not naïve that someone could make a life-changing offer to him and his family that he'll have to consider. That's the reality of British football right now."

The Magpies handed a scholarship deal to Everton defender Aaron Epia this week. Epia issued a farewell message to the Toffees on Instagram, and in the comments was Finneran, who replied with a clapping hands emoji.

And perhaps telling, Epia responded with an eyes emoji, hinting Finneran could be about to join him on Tyneside.

Newcastle have a strong Irish contingent in their academy with Alex Murphy, Reece Byrne and Cathal Heffernan among those to arrive in the past two years.