‘Official soon’ - Newcastle United set to sign young defender from Premier League club

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of England under-16s international Leo Shahar from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Magpies have been in talks with the 16-year-old since July and according to the Secret Scout, the move is close to becoming official.

Shahar is highly-rated by Wolves having featured regularly at under-18s last season, scoring twice in 15 league appearances.

“Every time I watch [Sahar] playing for England he looks comfortable within the environment,” said Wolves head of player development Darren Ryan.

“We know how good he is technically and yes there are things he needs to improve on, but the more camps he’s on and the more call-ups he’s getting, the more comfortable he’s looking.

“His performances are really consistent with the under-18s and he’s getting opportunities now to train with the 21s on the school release days. It’s great to go and see him in that environment with some of the best players in the country.

“He’s been picked on a lot of recent camps because he’s very consistent. He’s performing for us and that’s being seen by the staff and coaches.”

Newcastle have made a number of academy additions this summer, including under-21s pair Cathal Heffernan and Reece Byrne.

Heffernan joined from Serie A giants AC Milan earlier this week, while his countryman Byrne arrived in June. Both players have represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level.

Meanwhile, Michael Mills of League One side Port Vale and Oldham Athletic prospect Sam Alabi have joined the Magpies’ academy ranks at under-15s and under-16s level.