Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United already have strong interest from Sky Bet Championship clubs to sign Elliot Anderson on loan next term.
The teenager has been a hit with Bristol Rovers in League Two but Howe has hinted he should have had a loan higher up the football pyramid this season. Anderson was held back from a loan move to Luton last season by Steve Bruce because of injuries at United.
Howe said: "He's a very, very talented player, also with a great mindset. "Elliot's one of those people that you can see he's very driven, very focused, wants to do well, wants to achieve.
"He's got a slight edge to his game as well, where 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 couldn't give him those opportunities, he needed to go out and consolidate his really good training work, and I think he's done that."
Howe indicated that he will probably be playing higher up the leagues next season. Although with Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers pushing for promotion to League One next season that does not necessarily rule them out for another loan.
Howe said: "I have said before we wanted to try to get him slightly higher up the pyramid because I felt his talents deserved that, but I felt the most important thing was for him to actually play and Bristol Rovers have been very good.
"They've been a really good home for him and a really good fit, and I hope he comes back in the summer and consolidates that good work."
Howe says he has a decision to make in the summer on Anderson, he added: "Yes I think it's very difficult for young players to make that jump into the team, coming from the 18s to the 23s to the first team.
"It's probably one of the hardest transitions you have to make at Premier League level. It's very, very difficult. That's why the loan system is so important, so if I can't guarantee him that game time, then definitely a loan spell will be an option again."
And speaking about interest from the Championship for Anderson, Howe said: "Yes, I think there will be, and I was disappointed for him that he didn't get that opportunity at the higher level.
"That's no disrespect to Bristol Rovers because I think Joey and Kevin Bond have been really good for him and allowed him to flourish and to sow how good he is."
