Who is Jude Smith? The highly-rated youngster set to join Newcastle United for ‘five figure fee’

Newcastle United are set to sign young goalkeeper Jude Smith from East Fife, according to reports north of the border.

NewcastleWorld takes a closer look at the highly-rated 19-year-old:

What’s being reported?

As per the Daily Record, the Magpies have agreed a ‘five figure fee’ with East Fife, who compete in Scottish League Two, to sign Smith.

He will now travel to the North East of England to finalise what is described as a “dream move”.

How did the move come about?

Newcastle welcomed Smith on trial last month having previously trained with Championship side Stoke City.

If reports are believed to be true then Smith has clearly impressed key figures at United’s academy.

What about his career so far?

Smith was on the books at Scottish Premiership champions Celtic before being released last year.

He was quickly snapped up by East Fife and was one of the youngest senior goalkeepers in British football last season.

Smith made 28 appearances in all competitions but could not prevent East Fife from suffering relegation from Scottish League Two.

He did, however, win the East Fife Supporters’ Club young player and players’ player of the year, and the East Fife Supporters’ Trust player of the year.

What’s been said about Jude Smith?

After signing a contract extension with East Fife, then manager Darren Young said: “I’m delighted to have been able to tie Jude down for another year.

“Jude is frowning in confidence every game and he’s still young for a goalkeeper so will continue to develop throughout his time with the club”

Smith is set to link up with the under-18s or Elliot Dickman’s under-23s.