Newcastle United have been told that transfer target Calum Adamson is not for sale, with the Rangers youngster reportedly on the Magpies' radar going into the summer window.
The Daily Record report intertest from both Newcastle and Crystal Palace in the 15-year-old, who does not turn 16 until August. The Scotland youth international is yet to sign a professional deal at Ibrox and the report states that he has been persuaded to do just that by Gers' Academy Director Craig Mulholland.
Adamson has made three appearances for Scotland's under-16s, with the midfielder impressing in games against Denmark, England and Cyprus back in February. However, with his youth it is likely that he will have more opportunities to earn first team chances north of the border given Gers' impressive recent record of bringing through young talent.
Newcastle on the other hand have a poor recent record of youth development, with one of the country's best academies historically having a lean spell. This has led to them bringing in some exciting youngsters from outside the club to push forward the current crop, with Australian teenager Garang Kuol joining from Central Coast Mariners and Harrison Ashby arriving from West Ham's under-21s.
Since Newcastle's Saudi takeover in 2021, there has been an overhaul of the club's backroom operations, with Sporting Director Dan Ashworth having arrived from Brighton and Hove Albion to help the club grow. Paul Midgley also arrived as new head of youth recruitment in November to highlight talents such as Adamson.
Youth development will surely be a growth area for the club, with reports that the owners are looking to invest in Belgian side Oostende, a move which would provide a platform from which to send players out on loan to gain experience. Newcastle’s owners have ambitious long-term aims and plan to back Eddie Howe to continue on their remarkable upward trajectory under the former Bournemouth manager.
The St James' Park side rose to third in the Premier League following Thursday's 4-1 win against Everton, with Champions League football seemingly on the horizon. Howe said: "We know nothing is taken for granted from our perspective. It puts us in a lot stronger position. To get six points from Tottenham and Everton is a great return.
"It was always going to be a difficult game for us but we handled the occasion well in a hostile environment. The first goal was going to be crucial. It was probably our best move and it came at a good time for us.
The confidence was there and it was evident in the second half, maybe a bit of the edge of the game had gone but I think we had to earn the right to get to that point because Everton put us under pressure in the first half."
