Newcastle To Sign NFF's Young Target On Loan

Newcastle United are close to completing the loan signing of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham after they were reassured on Monday that the player wants to make the move to the North East.

It was initially thought Abraham would sign for Newcastle last week, and the delay raised fears he did not want to leave the south east, particularly as there are other Premier League clubs looking to take him on loan.

However, Chelsea are keen for one of their most exciting prospects to spend at least one season at St James’ Park as they want to expose him to the pressure and expectation that will come at such a big club.

Abraham has already spoken to Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, who was initially confident a deal was close to being finalised last week, but the youngster also felt he should ponder an offer from Brighton before giving an answer.

Abraham is thought to have been particularly excited by the prospect of playing under Benitez, especially when it was pointed out to him that the Spaniard has helped nurture several world-class centre forwards during a distinguished coaching career.

The 18 year-old scored 23 goals in the Championship for Bristol City last season, but both the player and his parent club believe he is ready to play in the top flight.