Newcastle United remain in talks with two Academy prospects over extensions to their current deals with the Magpies. Preparations for next season are already under way at Little Benton with Dylan Stephenson agreeing a new contract last week.
Now United are in discussions with Wigan-born midfielder Niall Brookwell who is keen to stay on Tyneside. Brookwell arrived from Liverpool on a free transfer in 2020 and has been a regular with the Under-23s ever since.
The 20-year-old scored a header in the 4-3 win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday night in Premier League 2 and has made 16 appearances for the second string this term. Another in talks for a new deal is defender Lewis Cass.
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Cass was playing well and consistently for Port Vale in League Two before being struck with an ankle injury that cut his season short. At 22 he has arguably reached a stage where it is probably decision time for Newcastle.
But having lost six months due to injury, the promising signs which saw him rise to the first-team squad under Rafa Benitez, combined with encouraging campaigns at Vale Park and Hartlepool in the last two seasons suggest he is worthy of an extension. And based on those spells at Pools and Port Vale, North Shields lad Cass has interest from League One and League Two ahead of his contract expiry.
It is understood that Newcastle are keen to extend Cass' current deal but the player is mindful of progressing his career at senior level.
Meanwhile, United have already made a couple of changes behind the scenes in terms of staff. Tony Caig has been appointed as lead goalkeeping coach while Adam Bartlett has been promoted to the senior camp.
Under-23 coach Elliott Dickman told Chronicle Live: "It's definitely a positive step. Adam has gone up to the first team which is brilliant for him.
"He was fantastic for me personally when I first joined the club and he's helped and supported the goalkeepers really, really well. It's brilliant that his work has been recognised and he's now with the first team.
"Dani Garcia took over while we were looking to appoint somebody and Dani did a great job. He was obviously very busy doing two roles but obviously Tony has come in and has been brilliant so far. It's still early stages but he's been fantastic."
