West Ham have lost out in the race for RB Leipzig left back Matthew Bondswell with Newcastle signing the player after he received international clearance.
The teenager was on the Irons and Leeds United wanted list along but the Magpies have this morning announced they have clinched the deal.
The 18-year-old, who has represented England at under 15s to 18s level, was released by the Bundesliga club in January so he could find a club in his homeland.
He grew up in the Nottingham Forest academy but moved to German three years ago. He didn’t break into the Leipzig team,only managing to gain first-team experience on loan at Dutch side FC Dordrecht in the first half of this season.
He would not have been an immediate back-up to Aaron Cresswell had he signed for the Irons given that lack of experience.
David Moyes may look for a loan option in that position in the summer window with his major priority being a striker.