Newcastle United midfield signing spotted in Japan after Aston Villa & Manchester United interest
Newcastle United under-15s were beaten 7-3 against a J-League representative team on Friday night.
Michael Mills - a young forward signed from League One side Port Vale last summer - was on the scoresheet as the Magpies trailed 5-1 at half-time. The hosts increased their lead but before goals from substitute 13-year-old Ethan Fullen and Oliver Best pulled in back to 6-3.
Despite the heavy defeat, it was good test for United’s young guns, who played in hot and humid conditions in front of 10,500 supporters at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium.
A notable name included in the starting XI was 14-year-old CJ Afumuzor following his recent switch from Portsmouth.
The midfielder spent eight years at Pompey and had reportedly attracted interest from Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.
The previous links to those aforementioned clubs suggests United have an exciting talent on their hands but at such a tender age, the player still has a long way to go in his development.
Newcastle have recruited a number of promising youngsters in recent seasons following years of underinvestment when Mike Ashley was owner.
Alex Murphy made his Premier League debut last year while the likes of Cathal Heffernan, Trevan Sanusi and Alfie Harrison have been handed minutes for Eddie Howe’s side in pre-season.
Earlier this month, Newcastle handed scholarship deals to 14 in total. Kayden Lucas, Ezra Tika-Lemba and Aaron Epia joined from Clevedon Town, West Ham United and Everton, respectively.
"Congratulations to all of those successful in gaining a scholarship,” said head of academy Steve Harper.
"Moving from school into a full-time programme isn't easy but it's a scholarship packed with education, life skills, psychology, strength and conditioning as well as a comprehensive football programme. Good luck boys!"
Konnichiwa! Newcastle United are in Japan - and so too are NewcastleWorld!
Our Newcastle United writer Jordan Cronin is there all week, providing coverage of the tour, behind the scenes video and analysis from Tokyo.
Eddie Howe's men take on Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, July 31. They then face J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday, August 3.
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