Newcastle United midfielder set to join Scottish club as boss confirms agreement

Hamilton Academical are set to sign Newcastle United midfielder Lucas de Bolle on loan, according to manager John Rankin.

The under-21s midfielder made his non-competitive Magpies debut last month during the 2-1 friendly win over Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park.

De Bolle was a regular for Elliott Dickman’s second string last season and was also called up to Eddie Howe’s matchday squad on a couple of occasions.

And according to Rankin, the 19-year-old is expected to join the Scottish Championship outfit for his first taste of senior football.

De Bolle, who was absent for the Papa John’s Trophy clash at Doncaster Rovers yesterday, might have joined Accies earlier had he not suffered a concussion.

“We are trying to work on a few things,” the Hamilton boss said. “One is nearly done and I’m hoping for another.

“There is a good chance we will get Lucas de Bolle from Newcastle.

“He’s a young midfielder, a Scotland under-21 international, who has caught the eye and he’s one we feel can improve us.

“That’s one we should be doing in the next day or so. He will come in and that’s one we are excited about that.

“It’s one we’ve been working on. We weren’t able to get it over the line before his head knock obviously.

“Such is luck, Lucas took that knock and he has been delayed on his return to play with the protocols that are in place with concussion.

“He’s had to do his time and we had to make sure he met all the medical requirements before he come up and play.”

De Bolle would become the second player Hamilton have signed from Newcastle this summer after snapping up midfielder Reagan Thomson.

Hamilton must wrap up a deal before Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline.