Newcastle United weigh up loan move as breakout star continues to attract interest

Hearts are the latest club to show an interest in taking Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson on loan during the upcoming season.

The attacking midfielder is currently in Austria as the Magpies squad continue their preparations for the new Premier League campaign.

The Scotland Under-21 star played for an hour in Friday’s 3-0 win against German side 1860 Munich before he was replaced by Joelinton and also featured in last weekend’s friendly win over Gateshead.

His selection in both fixtures has seen Magpies manager Eddie Howe deliver on his promise to assess the youngster’s progression during pre-season after he returned to Tyneside following a highly successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers.

Anderson scored eight goals and provided five assists during 21 appearances for Joey Barton’s side and wrote his name into Rovers folklore by scoring a promotion-clinching goal against Scunthorpe United on a dramatic final day of the League Two season.

The 19-year-old is said to be attracting serious interest from a number of Championship clubs and he recently discussed his willingness to spend another loan spell away from Tyneside.

He told the club website: “I've just got to try and impress as much as I can really, and do my best.

“I've got to try and compete for a place around the team and see how I can do.

“I think not trying too hard to do that (is important) - just do your stuff, and see if you catch an eye, and work as hard as you can. It's kind of like a free hit - I'll give it my best shot, and if they think I need another season out (on loan), I'm happy to do that. Whatever's best for me.

“I'd say for me, probably playing games is the most important thing, to be honest - carrying on my run that I have, and just trying to keep striving. Hopefully that's here, or if it's somewhere else on loan, I'll be giving it my all.”

The likes of Luton Town, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion are all said to have registered an interest in securing a possible loan deal for Anderson - but Football Scotland have now reported Hearts are one of ‘several’ Scottish sides monitoring the situation.

The report suggests there is ‘still a lot to be done’ before Anderson’s next move is decided but has stated Hearts have ‘taken a keen interest’.