Newcastle United feel they already have future star…

Newcastle United feel they already have future star who could save Dan Ashworth millions

Dan Ashworth and his team are hard at work finding the best up-and-coming talent for Newcastle United to try and purchase - but the Magpies feel they already have a potential gem in their midst with local lad Lewis Miley.

The teenage sensation celebrated his 17th birthday in style of Monday, signing his first professional contract with Newcastle after impressing club staff, Eddie Howe and first-team stars in recent months. Miley's stock has risen exponentially this season after taking part in December's Diriyah Season Cup victory against Al-Hilal and featuring on the bench for the trip to Bournemouth in February.

Miley, whose brother Jamie has captained the Under-18s in recent years, is seen as one of the brightest prospects currently plying their trade in the Magpies' youth setup. Chronicle Live understands Howe and Newcastle staff feel the midfielder will be a Premier League star in years to come should he continue to progress as he has in recent years.

“Everyone at the Academy is delighted to see Lewis sign his first professional contract at the club. He’s been with us from a very early age and credit goes to everyone who has played a part to date," Academy Director Steve Harper said after Monday's contract announcement.

“The admirable support from his family has been very important too but, ultimately, it is Lewis who deserves the most credit. His hard work, attitude to learning, and training as well as his technical ability has got him to this point."

That 'admirable support' from family members is evident with even a passing glance on social media these days. Miley's father, Mick, is his son's biggest champion, constantly posting updates and messages of support or congratulations on his personal Twitter account.

"Very proud of you son signing your 1st professional contract," he wrote this week, accompanied by a family photo outside the club's training ground.

Miley's performances on Tyneside haven't only caught Howe's eye, as England's youth setups came calling last year. The youngster made his Under-17s debut against Norway last August before scoring his first international goal in a 2-1 win against Finland.

Miley has had a taste of first-team action with Newcastle and international appearances with England but continues to shine at Under-21 level on Tyneside. Impressive performances for Ben Dawson's side in recent weeks have seen him score twice in his last two games.

Fore first-team opportunities are anticipated next season. "Lewi has deserved his work with us," Howe said in February. "Every time he has trained with us, he has done really well. Today was another step up, a taste of match action for him, and a really good experience."

Ashworth's arrival at Newcastle has seen the club dedicate financial resources to improve the youth ranks on Tyneside. Raw talent such as Alex Murphy, Charlie McArthur, Jordan Hackett, Jude Smith and Reece Byrne have been added to Newcastle's reserve sides to improve their standing after years of neglect.

With Miley rapidly outgrowing Newcastle's youth outfits, a loan move may be on the cards in the not too distant future. Similar plans have been put in place for the likes of Lucas De Bolle and Joe White.

Speaking about Miley's talent, White recently told ChronicleLive: "He's a player, he's going to be a top player hopefully. In terms of how he is as a player, he is similar to me in terms of intelligence and creativity. He's someone I enjoy playing with, we can combine in similar positions when I was playing with him."

Newcastle United feel they already have future star who could save Dan Ashworth millions

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