Newcastle could sign Manchester United talent on a free transfer

Newcastle have been long linked with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, and are expected to come in for the Scotland international this summer. However, the Magpies are also monitoring another talent developed by United’s academy.

Ethan Galbraith was one of the academy’s most highly-rated players during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s time at the club, and was handed a new contract in 2020 – a season after making his first-team debut in the Europa League.

This summer, Galbraith’s contract is due to expire at United, but the club don’t appear to be as keen as they were in 2020 to extend the midfielder’s stay in Manchester. Currently on loan at Salford  City, the 21-year-old is likely to leave the club on a free transfer and is on the radar of several clubs.

Four clubs are looking at Manchester United talent Ethan Galbraith

According to Manchester World (via M.E.N Sports), Stoke City, Sunderland and Derby Country are tracking the United talent.

Newcastle are also in the mix, and it is suggested they could sign Galbraith on a free transfer at the end of the term before sending him out on loan next season.

A new permanent destination might be best for the Northern Irishman’s development, who’s behind the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal in the pecking order of academy graduates in terms of the likelihood of senior minutes under Erik ten Hag.

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While Newcastle have their sights on two United midfielders, the Old Trafford outfit head into the summer transfer window with uncertainty hanging over their plans.

United are interested in Jude Bellingham and Alexis Mac Allister but are yet to make any formal approach, with a sale process underway behind the scenes. At this stage, Real Madrid are leading the race for the Borussia Dortmund star, and Liverpool are working on signing the Brighton midfielder.