'Will join' - Agent of winger spotted at Newcastle United training ground as deal agreed

Salia was given a tour of Newcastle United’s training ground over the weekend and met with important figures such as head coach Eddie Howe, sporting director Paul Mitchell and loan manager Shola Ameobi.

The 17-year-old forward will officially join the Magpies from Georgian top-flight side Dinamo Tbilisi when he turns 18 in August.

Taking to Instagram, Salia’s agent shared photos of the youngster shaking hands with Howe and holding the club’s 2024-25 Adidas home shirt.

“Vakho has finished his first visit in Newcastle United,” Seturidze wrote. “Such hospitality and transparency from the club is truly inspirational.

“We wish a good luck to @vakho7_ with @nufc once he will join the club in the near future.”

In an interview with NUFCTV, Salia revealed his agent and father used Newcastle’s former Georgian players Temur Ketsbaia and Zurab Khizanishvili to help sell the move to him.

As first reported by NewcastleWorld, Newcastle fought off competition from several clubs to seal Salia’a signature, including Premier League rivals Arsenal.

“My father and my agent convinced me that two Georgians played here,” Salia said. “The club has a big history.

“When I heard Newcastle were interested me, motivation comes naturally. First time I heard I couldn’t believe it because it was big news for me.

“I think I have to work more to come here. To come into Europe after Georgia it will be really difficult, I have to exercise and work more.

“It is a big challenge for me. I have this motivation to play outside of Georgia. It is a move every professional player has to make to follow their teams.”

Meanwhile, when asked about Salia’s visit, Howe said: “Yeah I managed to have a good conversation with him, his family and representatives. It seemed like a really good lad with a great attitude and hungry to learn. His next step is slightly unclear but he is certainly a talented young player. “