Newcastle United look set to sign Kilmarnock teenager Charlie McArthur this summer, beating a host of Premier League rivals in the process. The Telegraph report the Magpies are close to completing a deal for the 17-year-old centre-back who has caught the eye north of the border in recent months.
McArthur made just four senior appearances for Kilmarnock this term, with his league debut coming back in May. Despite this, a host of Premier League outfits have chased his signature in recent months after watching him excel in Scotland's youth ranks.
Manchester City, Liverpool, Wolves and West Ham have all been linked with a move for the defender in the last 12 months. Most importantly, Dan Ashworth 's former club Brighton were tipped to be making a £275,000 bid for his signature before the January window.
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Despite his inexperience, McArthur is already tipped to be a star. Should a deal be completed this summer, Newcastle could have an exciting talent on their hands.
Scotland Under 17s boss Brian McLaughlin has led the praise for the ball-playing defender recently, singling him after the recent defeat to Denmark. "I felt Charlie McArthur was incredible today. On the ball he was excellent, without the ball he was blocking tackles. His all-round leadership was immense. He should be proud of that performance," he said after the performance.
Tommy Wright, who enjoyed two spells at Newcastle as a goalkeeper, now coaches McArthur at Kilmarnock. He too has been mightily impressed with what he has seen at club level. "The biggest compliment I can pay Charlie is that the lads treat him like a 26-year-old," he said earlier this year.
"Since I've been in here he's trained all pre-season with us, we looked at him last season and he's a dream to work with. I don't want to stick labels on how good he is but he's very, very good and will have a great career."
Euan Murray, Kilmarnock captain, has had nothing but positive things to say either. “I like everything about him. First and foremost he is a good lad; respectful, listens to what you tell him and a massive amount of ability," he said.
“I have no doubt that he has the support network around him to keep his feet on the ground because that is important but he is an unbelievable talent and I hope he goes on to have the career that right now he has the potential to do."
Eddie Howe has made no secret of his desire to promote young talent through the ranks at Newcastle in the coming years. The addition of Alex Murphy earlier in the summer was another sign that the north east outfit will use their new-found riches for young talent as well as big names.
After pinching one of Ireland's top talents earlier in the summer, it now looks like Newcastle are closing in on one of Scotland's brightest next.
