Newcastle United open talks with midfielder - deal could be agreed in May

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to reward Lewis Miley with a new contract when he turns 18 later this season.

The 17-year-old has burst onto the first-team scene this campaign and on Saturday against Fulham scored his first senior goal to become the Magpies' youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer.

As well as impressing against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, the midfielder grabbed an assist in the 4-1 win over Chelsea last month and last week's 2-1 defeat at home to AC Milan.

His breakthrough has, according to some reports in Spain, caught the attention of La Liga giants Real Madrid but United will move quickly to secure his long-term services in the coming months.

The Daily Telegraph claims Newcastle have opened contract talks with Miley ahead of his 18th birthday in May.

The Stanley-born signed his first professional contract in May but under competition rules, he could only sign for a maximum of three years at that age. Once he turns 18, United can negotiate a longer deal.

Miley made his debut against Chelsea on the final day of last season and started Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final exit at Stamford Bridge.

Sandro Tonali's 10-month, plus injuries to Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton during different parts of the season has presented Miley with an opportunity that he has grasped with both hands.

Indeed, Magpies boss Eddie Howe has already tipped Miley to go on to achieve big things.

Speaking after the 3-0 win over Fulham, Howe said: “I'm delighted for him. With Lewie, I go back to the two most memorable moments, for me, at the start of his Newcastle career: one was the assist against Chelsea, where he's had the composure to find Alex and a really big goal for us at the time; and then the assist in the Champions League for Joelinton in midweek, where again he's made another incredible decision.

"But today was his moment, put in by Bruno's brilliant run and did he have the composure in front of the Gallowgate to score a massive goal in our season, and he did and I'm delighted for him.

"The way that on the pitch, he's emotionless – and I mean that as the biggest compliment I can. In a difficult moment, he's not beating himself up, he's not frustrated, he's just very calm and in a positive moment like scoring the goal today, he doesn't let that go to his head and negatively affect his performance.

"He just carries on doing the right thing most of the time, and that's the hallmark of a great player in my eyes."