United are in a period of transition with Derek Llambias stepping up from deputy chairman to his new role as managing director yesterday following the departure of chairman Chris Mort, who he effectively replaces, despite the different title.
But they are pressing ahead with the policy of trying to sign the best young players early, adopted when Mike Ashley bought the club last summer.
As part of that they are thought to be moving closer to a deal for Plymouth Argyle's highly-rated 15-year-old Aaron Spear.
But they are pressing ahead with the policy of trying to sign the best young players early, adopted when Mike Ashley bought the club last summer.
As part of that they are thought to be moving closer to a deal for Plymouth Argyle's highly-rated 15-year-old Aaron Spear.
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth are all thought to be interested in Spear, but sources in Devon suggest he is leaning towards a transfer which is likely to cost Newcastle around £250,000 in compensation.
Spear is yet to play first-team football for the Pilgrims.