Gateshead are expected to complete the signing of a young Newcastle United striker on loan by Saturday morning, according to a reliable journalist.
Mark Carruthers, who covers the non league for the Chronicle and Sunday Sun, claimed on his personal Twitter account on Thursday morning that National League outfit Gateshead are closing in on a loan swoop for the unnamed Magpies centre-forward in the next two days as they prepare to sell one of their own front men.
Carruthers reports that the 18th-placed club, who play in the fifth tier of English football, have accepted an offer from Port Vale for Luke Hannant.
A deal for the Newcastle forward is expected to be concluded within 48 hours of the post, which would be early on Saturday.
Understand @GatesheadFC have accepted an offer for Luke Hannant and expect him to complete a move to Port Vale today. The Heed are also looking to bring in a young striker on loan from Newcastle. Both deals expected to be concluded in the next 48 hours #HeedArmy #PVFC #NUFC pic.twitter.com/mxyEmmJ9p0
— Mark Carruthers (@MarkCarruthers_) January 18, 2018
Gateshead have a strong relationship with Newcastle, who have farmed many of their rising stars to the non-league club over the years, including current first-teamer Paul Dummett.
OPINION
There have been a stampede of loan exits from Newcastle this month, and that is about to continue as another academy players heads out for a club where he can get senior experience. Gateshead want to replace Hannant, who has had a fine spell at the club, but has not really delivered the goods this season. This provides an opportunity for a Magpies rising star, who will be safe in the knowledge that he will not get any first-team opportunities. Manager Rafael Benitez is very reluctant to use young talent from the academy as the club fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League.