Young Spurs star set to join United

NEWCASTLE United will sign Tottenham defender Jordan Hackett today when he is released from his contract at the north London club.

The left-back, 18, impressed the Magpies while on trial at the club in May.

Hackett, who made 22 appearances for Tottenham’s Under-18s in recent seasons, played for Newcastle Under-23s as they claimed a 3-2 win over Rangers B last month.

The player is one of 12 youngsters to be released by Tottenham this summer as Antonio Conte and his team overhaul the club’s academy.

Hackett represented England at under-16 level and earned a call-up to the under-18 squad in March 2021. He made a ten-minute appearance as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Wales.

The move shows Newcastle are looking towards the future after already securing a deal for young Irish star Alex Murphy earlier in the summer.

Kilmarnock teen Charlie Mcarthur is another young star the Magpies have looked at, with terms agreed.

Reports earlier this week also suggested Newcastle were ready to swoop for Southampton academy sensation Tyler Dibling, who netted a hat-trick at St. James’ Park in a youth game earlier this season.

New Sporting director Dan Ashworth is keen to add top youth talents to the ranks on Tyneside and will also be looking to offload academy prospects on loan to aid their development

NEWCASTLE United cult hero Temuri Ketsbaia has stepped back into international management after being appointed Cyprus manager.

Ketsbaia is fondly remembered on Tyneside for his passionate celebrations, which once saw him take his frustrations out on a St James’ Park advertising hoarding after scoring a last-minute winner against Bolton Wanderers back in 1998. The Georgian midfielder made 78 appearances for the Magpies during his three year spell at St James’.

Since his retirement, Ketsbaia has held a number of managerial roles which include spells at Greek giants Olympiacos and AEK Athens. Previously, the 54-year-old had managed Georgia from 2009 to 2014, for whom he was capped 52 times.

Ketsbaia only parted company with Cypriot side Anorthosis last month, but has taken no time out from management.