Newcastle have received international clearance for young striker Tyrique Bartlett, according to Soccer Laduma.
The South African football news website claims that the forward had not been eligible to appear in competitive matches for the Magpies until he had received clearance.
The Magpies were reported by the Chronicle to have offered the South African a three-year deal to join from University of Pretoria, with the striker just 17-years-old at the time.
No announcement was made by the club, but he had already appeared for the club’s U23 side in a 7-0 friendly win over Burnley.
His first goal for the youth squad at St James’ Park came in a 3-1 friendly defeart to Scottish side Kilmarnock.
Bartlett is the son of former Premier League striker Shaun, who currently manages the University of Pretoria team.
His dad is perhaps best well known for his volley against Leicester while playing for Charlton, which was chosen as Match of the Day’s goal of the season for the 2000/01 season.
Meanwhile Tyrique will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father in earning himself a place in the Premier League, as well as emulating South African icons Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar.
Newcastle have also had a South African appear for them in the top flight, with midfielder Matty Pattison making 10 league appearances for them in both the 2005/07 and the 2006/07 season.