Newcastle United & Leeds United eye deal for out-of-contract star who almost joined Crystal Palace

Newcastle United are among the English teams credited with an interest in Kilmarnock youngster Zander Craik.

The 18-year-old is out-of-contract in the summer but has recently been offered a new deal. Killie boss Derek McInnes sees Craik as having a big future and has already had up training with his first-team squad.

But Crystal Palace attempted to sign the striker in January and retain an interest. The Daily Record reports that Craik is also being monitored by Newcastle, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, who have all scouted him in recent weeks. The Ayrshire club would still be entitled to compensation should Craik move on.

The academy has been a real focus for Newcastle's owners since taking over the club in October 2021.

In the summer, under-18s trio Trevan Sanisu, Travis Hernes and Leo Shahar arrived from Birmingham City, Shrewsbury Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively. Meanwhile, Michael Mills of League One side Port Vale, Oldham Athletic prospect Sam Alabi and Kacey Wooster of Southend United joined the Magpies’ academy ranks at under-15s and under-16s level.

The latest addition was Alfie Harrison from Manchester City in January. He penned a two-and-a-half-year contract after being provided with a clear path towards the first-team.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has also shown a willingness to hand young players first-team opportunities, the prime example being 17-year-old Lewis Miley, who has made 28 appearances this season. Meanwhile the likes of Alex Murphy, Ben Parkinson, Michael Ndiweni and Amadou Diallo have appeared on the bench.