‘A new challenge’ - Newcastle-bound midfielder shares farewell message as transfer imminent

Newcastle United are expected to complete the signing of Blackburn Rovers wonderkid Rory Finneran on an initial scholarship deal.

The midfielder is due to become the club’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window after the arrivals of Lewis Hall from Chelsea, Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest, John Ruddy from Birmingham City, Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth and youngster Miodrag Pivaš from FK Jedinstvo Ub.

Finneran is a highly-rated 16-year-old midfielder, who has progressed through the Blackburn youth academy, which has already developed the likes of Adam Wharton, Joe Rankin-Costello, Lewis Travis, David Raya and John Buckley in recent seasons.

The teenager joined Blackburn Rovers when he was just eight-years-old and is regarded as a tough-tackling defensive midfielder with a tremendous eye for a pass. His form at youth level has earned him plenty of international recognition and he has already represented Republic of Ireland at U15 level on 15 occasions whilst picking up a further 10 caps for the U17s where he currently acts as captain.

Finneran was fast-tracked into the Blackburn Rovers first team last season and became the club’s youngest appearance holder in their 149-year history when he was introduced from the subs bench in an FA Cup victory against Cambridge United. He was also a member of the match-day squad which faced Newcastle but didn’t make it onto the field as his side were defeated on penalties.

The youngster is yet to play a league game for the Riversiders but was seen as a big part of John Eustace’s plans for the future. Reports claim that Finneran had been offered a fresh chance to stay at Ewood Park but felt Newcastle was the best place to go and develop his potential.

In an emotional post on social media, Finneran thanked his former employers and expressed his excitement for the next chapter in his career.

He wrote on Instagram: “I would like to say a massive thank you to all the coaches, staff and my teammates at Blackburn over the past eight years at the club for supporting and helping me develop.

 “It has been an amazing journey, from signing at under-eights to making my first team debut, I have enjoyed every moment and wish the best for everyone at the club. I felt it was the time for a new challenge and I am very excited for the next step in my career.”

England international Adam Wharton was among the first to send his support. He commented: “All the best mate.”

Finneran will move to St James’ Park to join an academy set-up that will be prioritised for development by new sporting director Paul Mitchell. The deal sees the Irish youngster link up with former Manchester City prodigy Alfie Harrison and Jamie Miley in midfield along with fellow countrymen Cathal Heffernan and Alex Murphy, who were signed by AC Milan and Galway respectively.

Newcastle have already given themselves a reputation for giving young talent a chance after 18-year-old Lewis Miley’s 27 appearances in all competitions last term. While former academy star Elliot Anderson also made 55 appearances for Newcastle before joining Nottingham Forest in a £35m deal this summer.