... and now United centre-back Curtis Good has been offered the chance of a loan stint at near-neighbours Gateshead.
The Aussie defender has been back to Oz during the international break and the Magpies are not rushing the teenager into first-team action following his summer move from Melbourne Heart.
His appearances so far in black-and-white have come in the FA Development League at under-21 level.
Good, who made his Toon debut at Gateshead in pre-season during the 4-1 win for the Magpies, is still just 19 and beginning a six-year contract.
Gateshead’s link-up with United has proved to be beneficial for both parties in recent years with James Tavernier and Jak Alnwick both gaining first-team experience at the International Stadium.
Ian Bogie (Gateshead manager): “I have spoken to both Newcastle and Sunderland about bringing players in.
“I have had no success at that so far.
“Newcastle only really have Adam Campbell in terms of a player who would make the difference to us at the top end.
“I have also enquired about Curtis Good but he is away with Australia.
“I spoke to Sunderland as well about two players.
“We like our big brothers to help us out with players from time to time.”