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Matthew Holt

From Ivan Toney to Aleksandar Mitrovic, Newcastle United's recent loan success stories

Newcastle United have enjoyed various levels of success with the loan market in recent years, whether that be with incoming or outgoing players.

We only have to look at the impact Matt Targett made during his spell in the north east this season, as Eddie Howe opted to make the switch permanent just weeks ago.

Sometimes crucial to a player's development, or perhaps just seeking better first team opportunities, it is a crucial tool that most clubs utilise season after season.

READ MORE: Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike's big question with Toon talks set to intensify next week

With the Magpies now perhaps looking for a stronger calibre of player under new ownership, it does begin to ask the question as to where it leaves United's current crop of youngsters seeking their first steps in the professional game.

With all that being said, we here at ChronicleLive have decided to cast our minds back at some of the clubs most recent loan success stories.

Jacob Murphy - Sheffield Wednesday (19/20)

Joining the Owls on loan for the 2019/20 campaign, midfielder Jacob Murphy enjoyed a successful spell at Hillsborough. Finding the net nine times in 44 appearances, he also ended the season as the club's second top scorer behind Steven Fletcher.

Making himself know to Steve Bruce initially, who left Wednesday to take up the job in the north east back in July 2019, Murphy's efforts were soon rewarded upon on his return to St James' Park. Now a first team regular, the 27-year-old turned out 34 times for the side this season, establishing his name as one of the first on the team sheet during United's superb turnaround.

Dwight Gayle - West Brom (18/19)

Moving to the Hawthorns on a loan deal for the 19/20 season, forward Dwight Gayle hit the ground running with West Brom, scoring an impressive 24 goals in 41 appearances. Under Darren Moore and then James Shan's caretaker stewardship, Brom would eventually crash out on penalties to Midlands rivals Aston Villa in play-off semi final penalty shootout heartbreak.

Returning to Newcastle the following season, Gayle appeared in 20 Premier League outings, finding the net four times as Rafa Benitez's side eventually finished in 13th position in the Premier League. Rumours have suggested Gayle may now leave on loan once more for the upcoming campaign.

Jack Colback - Nottingham Forest (18/19)

Moving to Nottingham Forest the season prior, midfielder Jack Colback enjoyed two loan spells at the City Ground before eventually making his move permanent back in January 2018. His 18/19 season and 21/22 have been his standouts so far, as Steve Cooper's side were promoted back to the Premier League after a 23 year hiatus.

Featuring 46 for the Tricky Trees this season, the 32-year-old will now likely return to face the Magpies at his once former stomping ground and could play on the opening day of the season too.

Ivan Toney - Scunthorpe United (17/18)

Often cast aside by managers at the club, forward Ivan Toney joined Scunthorpe United back in 2018, as the Iron attempted to reach the Championship via the League One play-offs. Spearheading the sides attack, Toney quickly became a fans favourite at Glanford Park and although Scunthorpe were unsuccessful in their attempts, the forward later joined Peterborough United and began to establish himself in the EFL.

Now with Brentford after their promotion back in 2021, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move back to St James' Park but has admitted his happiest days so far have been with the Bees, as his early loan spells have set the tone for a strong career to come.

Aleksandar Mitrovic - Fulham (17/18)

Moving initially to Fulham on loan for the 2017/18 season, just where would Fulham now be perhaps without the goalscoring heroics of Aleksandar Mitrovic after a record breaking season.

Netting 14 in 27 back in 17/18, Fulham parted with close to £30million for his services, who has now gone on to score an impressive 96 goals in 177 appearances at Craven Cottage. Once again set to return to the north east with his new side next season, Mitrovic has firmly found his feet in the capital as he continues to kick on following a not so successful spell at Newcastle previously.

Elliot Anderson - Bristol Rovers (2022)

The youngster has been tipped for a bright future at St James' Park and there are high hopes for his progression among both the coaching staff and the supporters. After breaking into the first-team picture, it was vital he got some valualble experience under his belt, and joined up with former Magpie Joey Barton at Bristol Rovers. The move was a big success for all parties, with Anderson scoring eight goals in 21 appearances for the Gas as they won promotion from League Two. Anderson weighed in with five assists, winning praise from Barton and Rovers' fans. He is likely to go out on loan again this season, with Championship sides keen to take a look.

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