The summer transfer window is in full swing and millions are already being spent, but the likes of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes aren’t the only men exciting fans on Tyneside this summer.
Away from the glitz and glamour of high-profile signings, Newcastle United are well aware of the need to nurture the next generation of talent – particularly with the constraints of FFP looming over every transfer window.
That’s why, as part of our new Next Gen series, we’re taking a closer look at the names that are hoping to break into the United first team in the coming years, following in the footsteps of Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson.
Which young Magpies star excites you the most? Scroll down to our Next Gen widget at the bottom of this page to have your say.
Garang Kuol
It is a big season ahead for the former A-League wonderkid who is once again expected to head out on loan. Kuol endured a testing loan experience with Hearts, a matter of months after representing Australia in the World Cup, being largely restricted to brief cameo appearances, and the young forward netted just once.
Kuol himself insists still learnt plenty from his time in Scotland's capital, even if he accepted it was a 'tough period'. This stint with Hearts will not diminish the excitement around Newcastle's mid-season recruit, even if it is vital the club get the 18-year-old's next loan move right.
Lewis Miley
Arguably the standout name on this list, the younger Miley brother almost enjoyed the perfect Premier League debut when he came close to scoring the winner on the final day at Stamford Bridge. Now 17 and with his first professional deal under his belt, the challenge for Newcastle is how to best manage his development to maintain his astonishing trajectory.
It was an impressive season for Miley, who only made his debut at under-21 level at the beginning of the campaign. Four goals in his first four appearances followed, and the versatile attacking midfielder was one of five academy prospects to travel to Saudi Arabia with the senior squad for the mid-season training camp.
Yankuba Minteh
Newcastle's first summer signing was brought in and almost instantly loaned straight back out again. Minteh will spend the new season with Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, after agreeing to a reported £5.8 million switch to Tyneside. It is the latest step in a remarkable rise for the rapid winger, who only signed for Odense Boldklub last summer from his native Gambia.
Minteh was initially expected to link up with the Danish Superliga outfit's academy team, only to make his senior debut in a matter of months. It is still very early days for the winger, who has only made 17 first-team appearances in European football so far. But there is already a lot of excitement among the Magpies' hierarchy over the ceiling for their latest academy recruit.
Alex Murphy
Newcastle's switch to a front-foot style under Eddie Howe demands a lot from the centre-backs in possession without sacrificing their defensive qualities. It is still early days and plenty of hurdles still to navigate, but Murphy has shown signs he could fit the mould of what's now required with the Magpies.
The Irish defender hit the ground running and captained the under-21s on several occasions before making his senior Newcastle debut in the mid-season friendly win over Al-Hilal. The 19-year-old has proven he has composure in possession and a surprising recovery speed. The obvious test now is a loan move next term, ideally with an EFL outfit.
Joe White
Newcastle were on the brink of losing White on a free transfer a little over a year ago until Eddie Howe intervened. The Magpies head coach is a fan of the now 20-year-old, and made it clear he sees the midfielder as being capable of making the jump up to his squad.
Loan spells at Hartlepool United and Exeter City have followed, and it is obvious when watching White in action why Howe was keen to keep him at the club. The playmaker is technically gifted and has proven himself a difference-maker in the final third, with more senior minutes needed to see if he can make the grade in black-and-white.
