Newcastle United's former West Ham winger attracts interest as ex-Liverpool & Chelsea defenders depart

Several of Newcastle United’s youngsters attracted attention from clubs across the EFL, National League and in Europe during the final days of the January transfer window.

Winger Amadou Diallo, who made his Premier League debut with a brief appearance as a substitute in a 4-1 home win against Chelsea in November, is out of contract at the end of the season and NewcastleWorld understands the former West Ham United youngster was attracting interest from clubs in the EFL and Europe over possible loan and permanent moves prior to Thursday night’s deadline.

Republic of Ireland youth international Alex Murphy has also been the subject of interest in recent months after impressing in several appearances during United’s pre-season campaign - although any interest always seemed likely to be rebuffed after the highly-rated defender was named in the first-team squad for ten of United’s last eleven Premier League fixtures. 

Former Tottenham Hotspur left-back Jordan Hackett could have also been handed a chance to head out on loan for the first time in his career as he approaches the final months of the two-year deal he penned when he joined the Magpies in the summer of 2022.

There was also significant interest in highly-rated midfielder Joe White, who was believed to be close to joining League Two leaders Stockport County on loan for the remainder of the season before he was recalled by Newcastle from a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra as Eddie Howe’s options in the middle of the park were further depleted by injuries and the threat of suspensions.

Speaking about what could lie ahead of White, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: “Joe will stay with us for the rest of the season.  We’re light on bodies in midfield and it's a really good opportunity for him to come in and show he's at the level.  He's certainly improved, the loan spell has been a really crucial period for him and this could be a great opportunity.”

As reported by NewcastleWorld on Thursday, a lack of game-time during a loan at Scottish club St Johnstone has led to Jay Turner-Cooke’s recall and the former Sunderland academy player is set to remain on Tyneside for the remainder of the season.  The Magpies youngster was one of several players to leave the Perth-based club as manager Craig Levein revealed he needed to make space in his squad for new additions.

There have been a number of departures from United’s Under-21s this month after Dylan Stephenson joined National League North club South Shields on loan for the remainder of the season. The move is highly likely to bring an end to the forward’s time with his boyhood club as he is out of contract at the end of the season. However, Stephenson - who had interest from a League Two club prior to his move to South Shields - will hope to impress several potential suitors during his loan spell with the Mariners. 

Former Liverpool defender Remi Savage’s three-year stay on Tyneside was brought to an end when he linked up with former Magpies striker Duncan Ferguson by making a permanent move to Scottish Championship club Inverness Caledonian Thistle. 

Ferguson’s son Cameron also saw his time as a Magpie brought to an end after United came to a ‘mutual agreement’ over his contract earlier this month.  There were also two late deadline day departures after defender Josh Scott joined Queen’s Park in a permanent deal and striker Michael Ndiweni joined Annan Athletic on loan.

On Friday, it was also confirmed former Chelsea youth captain Charlie Wiggett had joined League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers after two-and-a-half-years on Tyneside.