Elliot Anderson has already hinted he would be open to a loan move.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
The academy graduate excelled on loan at Bristol Rovers last season, playing a key role in one of the most dramatic League Two promotions in history as the Gas pipped Northampton into the automatic places by scoring 7 against Scunthorpe.
Anderson scored the goal that eventually took Joey Barton’s side into the third tier while also laying on two assists, boosting his reputation even further. Handed his Newcastle debut in January 2021, the 18-year-old has been involved in Newcastle’s pre-season training camp away in Austria, playing the opening 45 minutes of their win over 1860 Munich on Friday.
Scottish Premiership side Hearts are believed to be keen on a move for the Scotland U21 international and could even offer him European football should they pass through the Europa League play-offs.
What has Anderson said about his future?
Speaking to the club’s official website earlier this month, Anderson said: “I’ve got to try and compete for a place around the team and see how I can do.
“I think not trying too hard to do that (is important) – just do your stuff, and see if you catch an eye, and work as hard as you can. It’s kind of like a free hit – I’ll give it my best shot, and if they think I need another season out (on loan), I’m happy to do that. Whatever’s best for me.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 15, 2022
“I’d say for me, probably playing games is the most important thing, to be honest – carrying on my run that I have, and just trying to keep striving. Hopefully that’s here, or if it’s somewhere else on loan, I’ll be giving it my all.”
Where does Anderson feature in the Newcastle squad?
Clearly, Newcastle will be aiming to finish much higher than last season, meaning Eddie Howe is surely likely to focus on his more experienced players.
While the introduction of five substitutions would make appearances easier to come by, the club are also chasing deals for Armando Broja and Anthony Gordon, which could further limit Anderson’s immediate chances, albeit Chris Waugh of The Athletic has revealed the player is getting “rave reviews” behind the scenes.
Howe has previously admitted the club were reluctant to send the player to League Two, suggesting Anderson was already at a higher level, which could perhaps see him join a team with loftier ambitions next season.
“We’re very pleased for him,” said Howe in May.
“We didn’t necessarily want to pitch him into League Two, we felt he was better than that level, but he’s excelled. It’s difficult to go out as a young player and make a difference but he made an incredible difference.”
