Newcastle United weigh up midfielder’s future ahead of summer transfer interest

Newcastle United young star Elliot Anderson is attracting interest from Championship clubs as Eddie Howe weighs up the teenager’s next steps.

With Howe unable to guarantee game time to the 19-year-old, Bristol Rovers snapped up the attacking midfielder on loan in January for the remainder of the season.

The Magpies were keen for Anderson to join a club higher than League Two, so it’s no surprise to see him flourish at the Memorial Stadium.

Anderson has started 14 consecutive matches for Joey Barton’s Gas - scoring three goals and three assists - to propel them into play-off contention.

Asked about Anderson’s form before Sunday’s 5-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, Howe said: “(He’s) a very, very talented player with a great mindset.

“Elliot’s one of those people who is very driven, focused, wants to do well and achieve. He’s got a slight edge to his game as well, nothing will stand in his way to help him get on and progress.

“That’s why I felt the loan period was so important for him, I felt if I couldn’t give him those opportunities he needed to go out and consolidate his really good training work. He’s done that.

“I said before we wanted to try and get him slightly higher up the pyramid because his talents deserve that but the most important thing is he actually plays and Bristol Rovers have been a really good home for him and a really good fit. I hope he comes back in the summer and consolidates that good work.”

Anderson made his first-team debut in January last year but hasn’t played since, though has regularly trained under Howe and was included in matchday squads over the Christmas period.

When Anderson returns to Tyneside this summer, Howe has a decision to make. Does he include the Scotland under-21s star in this plans for next season or loan him out again?

Certainly, he won’t be short of loan offers, with Championship clubs Nottingham Forest, Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers reportedly already expressing an interest.

“If I can’t guarantee him that gametime, then definitely a loan spell will be an option again,” Howe added. “I think there will be (Championship clubs interested).

“I was disappointed for him that he didn’t get that opportunity at a higher level. That’s no disrespect to Bristol Rovers because Joey (Barton) and Kevin Bond have been very good for him and allowed him to flourish and show how good he is.

“It’s very difficult for young players coming from the 18s and 23s to make that jump into the first-team. It’s probably one of the hardest transitions you have to make at Premier League level. That’s why the loan system is very important.”