Teen talents snapped up by Magpies
NEWCASTLE United have added two exciting attacking talents to their development ranks including highly-rated forward Yannick Toure.
The Chronicle first reported in June that 17-year-old striker Toure was set to join the Magpies’ Under-23 squad, the Switzerland youth forward having attended Newcastle’s final-day-of-theseason victory over Chelsea.
The Senegal-born Swiss striker underwent a successful trial at the club’s Academy last term after being spotted by Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson and joined United once his Young Boys contract expired.
It is understood United paid compensation for Toure, who was offered a new contract by Young Boys after scoring 23 goals in 23 games at Swiss Under-18 Elite League level and who also netted twice on his Switzerland Under-17 debut.
Toure has been joined on Tyneside by former West Ham United youth wideman Rosaire Longelo, Newcastle confirming the double capture over the weekend.
Though 18-year-old Longelo prefers to play as a winger, he can cover in at full-back and he joins Newcastle following a decadelong association with West Ham.
Longelo, who qualifies for both England and the Democratic Republic of Congo, impressed as a trialist during United Under-23s’ 3-2 friendly victory over Barrow during pre-season.
He scored twice for West Ham’s Under-18 side and earned a solitary appearance for the east London club’s reserves.
However, it is Toure who Newcastle fans will be particularly excited to see, given his 23 goals helped Young Boys’ Under-21 side win the Swiss third division title last term - leading a string of European clubs to chase his signature.
Toure, who has signed an initial three-year contract, said: “I am very happy to sign for Newcastle United.
“I have heard a lot about them. I know it is a famous club in England and I am very, very happy to be here.
“There was a lot of interest in me but I chose to come here because it is a great and traditional club in England.
“I am an offensive player and I like to score goals for the team. My position is a striker but I can play on the left and right.“