Newcastle United have paid an undisclosed cash fee for Kyle Crossley from League Two side Morecambe.
The fee could rise through add ons if the young forward goes on to earn a full professional contract.
Crossley was at Hartlepool United before they restructured their Academy and the teenager headed to Morecambe.
Crossley has also signed up with Base Soccer Agency, the group who also look after first team loanee Danny Rose.
United have looked to make further improvements to their Academy after concerns over the lack of options between 18 and 21 in the development squad.
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With Steve Harper coming in as a "go between" for the senior side and the Academy it is believed that the club are satisfied by the potential of the Under-15s and Under-16s, but have moved to sign new blood for the Under-18s next season - hence the arrival of Crossley, recent signing Reagan Thomson from Queen's Park and Stan Flaherty from Arsenal.
The Under-23s made a further change this week with Chris Hogg coming in as coach to work with head of coaching Ben Dawson.
