Newcastle United new signing makes 'top people' admission after West Ham & Tottenham snub

Alfie Harrison admits he is “loving” life at Newcastle United as he sets his sights on progressing into Eddie Howe’s first-team squad.

The 18-year-old forward penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Magpies after joining from Premier League rivals Manchester City for an undisclosed fee on January transfer deadline day. It's understood Harrison attracted interest from the likes of West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Celtic before opting to move to St James' Park.

Since arriving, Harrison has made one appearance for the under-18s where he kept up his impressive goal trend of nine goals in nine Premier League U18 matches after scoring against his former club.

His other six appearances in black and white have come for the under-21s and he recently caught the eye by registering two assists in a 4-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking about his time at United so far, Harrison told the club website: "It's been a jump up from the under-18s but I think it's a good one. Playing for the under-21s is an extra step closer to the first-team where everyone wants to be. 

"I'm adapting and getting used to the style and pace of the game but I back myself to push on further in my career. I love the fact those games feel a lot more competitive with the under-21s and there is more riding on results, with both teams doing anything to win. 

"When we played against Sunderland's under-21 side, they had a lot of first-team players in their team which is good as you learn a lot from facing experienced professionals. It inspires you more to show them where you want to be and that you are good enough.

Newcastle head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley, who joined from Man City in 2022, played a key role in getting Harrison to Tyneside with talks centred around the player having a clear path towards first-team action.

"All the people I've interacted with at the club have been top people and I'm loving my time in Newcastle,” Harrison continued.

"You set yourself aims and you want to do the best as you can day in day out. The end goal is to get to first-team level. You never know how long that may take but you've just got to keep working each day and seeing where it will take me."