Newcastle have reportedly agreed on a deal to sign 17-year-old centre-back Charlie McArthur from Kilmarnock as Eddie Howe continues to do business in the summer transfer market.

What’s the news?

The Athletic have reported that the Magpies have agreed on a fee and personal terms to sign the youngster from the Scottish Premiership club, with the fee being £350,000.

McArthur looks set to become the second official signing by Newcastle this summer following the arrival of Matt Targett, with Reims striker Hugo Ekitike looking likely to follow too.

Another move all but sealed

Howe is ready to put his own stamp on this Newcastle side, and following on from a successful final few months of the season which saw them finish 11th in the Premier League, it could get much better next time around.

The imminent signing of McArthur certainly looks to be one for the future, but the youngster has some excellent potential, and he will surely only get better with a move to one of the biggest clubs in England.

He made his senior debut last October at just 16 and he is currently the captain of the Scotland under-17s, showing his leadership qualities at such a young age.

Former Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright spoke about the teenager's performance following his debut, describing him as a “dream to work with” while also predicting that McArthur will have a “great career”.

Whilst some early success isn’t a direct barometer of any future achievement, it appears that the 17-year-old has the necessary attributes to succeed at a high level, and he will look to give the Newcastle under-18 or even under-23 side some added quality next season.

McArthur played four times in total for Kilmarnock last term as they sealed an immediate return to the Scottish top flight, and this experience will surely stand him in good stead as he looks to take England by storm.

AND in other news, NUFC in the mix to sign “frightening” £528k-p/w “freak of nature”, Howe would love him…