Newcastle United have some big loan decisions to make in January.
There are plenty of Toon youngsters struggling away from St James’ Park right now, with Antonio Cordero barely playing for Westerlo. Elsewhere, Travis Hernes is not playing for Groningen.
It is a frustrating situation for the Newcastle United academy stars, and it has resulted in fans questioning Shola Ameobi’s role as loan co-ordinator.
While the situation is not black and white, there is a huge need for Newcastle United to get these loans right. They play a key role in players’ development, and a wrong move can set them back in their career.
But while fans ponder if Cordero and Hernes were sent to the right clubs, another Newcastle United prospect is eager to secure a temporary exit.
Sean Neave eyes Newcastle United loan exit
The player in question is Sean Neave, the 18-year-old striker who was on the bench for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool but is yet to make his senior debut for the club.
While he is yet to feature, Neave has trained regularly with the first-team and was part of Eddie Howe’s pre-season preparations.
Since the season started, Neave has been back with the youth setup, scoring consistently for the Under-21s.
But now he wants to experience senior football, with the striker telling Pod On The Tyne that he would like to go out on loan when the January transfer window opens.
“There’s not been much talk on it, but I think for me I feel like I should go on loan,” he said.
“Obviously I can get the experience in first-team football, play week in and week out, get the experience and then come back at the end of the season and see what happens from there.
“I feel like just take the season as it goes on, see what happens.”
If Newcastle United officials are of the same opinion of Neave, it will be interesting to see where they decide to send him. A loan move to another English club would be ideal, although it is unclear what level would suit him best.
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Sean Neave shares his best position
As a local lad who plays up front, there is an extra clamour to see Neave rise up into the Newcastle United first-team.
There will be hope that he can be a future number nine at St James’ Park, but Neave, who was previously called ‘intelligent’ by Diarmuid O’Carroll during an interview with the Athletic, has admitted that he actually enjoys playing in a slightly deeper role.
“As I grew up obviously I was a natural goalscorer, so I love playing as a nine,” he told Pod On The Tyne.
“But as my career has went on I’ve noticed I’m really good in the pocket as a 10 and I really enjoy playing there, getting on the ball, running at players. I feel like that’s more my game.
“Obviously I’m still a natural goal scorer, so the goals have obviously come with playing in the 10, but I just feel a lot more comfortable running at players and getting on the ball and receiving it. I feel more comfortable as a 10 as I do as a nine. I love playing as a nine, it is my natural position.”
That versatility will make Neave appealing to Eddie Howe, who is very fond of players who can operate in multiple positions.
Neave has shown he can do that for the academy, but now wants the opportunity at senior level.
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