Newcastle United trigger transfer clause as midfielder spotted with squad over the weekend
Jamie Miley was back in Newcastle United colours - just days after he was recalled from his loan spell at Newport County.
The Magpies opted to recall the 20-year-old from the League Two side by triggering his January break clause on Monday. Miley endured an injury-hit spell in Wales, making just three starts in eight appearances.
But Miley has been fit and available since mid-December and therefore featured in the under-21s’ 4-2 defeat away to Southampton on Friday afternoon.
There’ a chance Miley could depart again this month. It’s understood a number of League One and League Two clubs have shown interest in the player, whether be a loan or permanent.
Speaking about Miley after the midfielder made his full St James’ Park debut in a pre-season friendly against Girona, United boss Eddie Howe said: “It’s a lazy comparison but it was a very Lewy Miley-type performance and I mean that as a massive compliment because he was very composed on the ball and very diligent off the ball, I thought he really helped us.
“Good tactically which isn’t easy for someone so young to come in and deliver that. As always with Jamie, he’s very level-headed and calm. That will have been a big moment in his career and I was delighted with how he did.”
The under-21s match on the South Coast saw Garang Kuol score his first goal in Newcastle colours two years after arriving from Central Coast Mariners.
Following failed loan spells at Hearts and FC Volendam, Kuol was expected to go out on loan for a third time in the summer but that was prevented by injury. Now fit again, the Australian could leave in the coming weeks.
Howe said: “That will depend on physical things and how Garang is. I know he's working really hard and we've seen him a few times when we've involved the [Under-21s] in our training.
“He's a great lad who wants to do well and is very ambitious so let's see what's next for him.”