Newcastle United youngster Kelland Watts can be used as back-up in the remainder of the 2020/21 season after a rule change at the Premier League's latest meeting.
The versatile youngster had spent the season on loan at Stevenage FC and Mansfield Town but FIFA chiefs have relaxed rules so that players can be registered at three different sides this season, something which the Premier League told clubs this week.
Watts, who can play at centre-back or in midfield, is now an option for Steve Bruce with FIFA rules reading: "Players are permitted to be registered with a maximum of three clubs and are eligible to play in official matches for three clubs* during the same season."
Newcastle have also welcomed back Rolando Aarons from Motherwell but despite the fact his only other action came at Wycombe Wanderers, he was not registered in the Toon squad back in January.
Another player who was hoping to be involved in the last nine top-flight games was Paul Dummett but the defender again remains ineligible as Premier League officials did not announce mooted plans to extend squads.
Frustratingly for Dummett the Wales international had recovered from an injury picked up in January and had trained regularly in the last three weeks.
United have secured short-term extensions for Valentino Lazaro, on loan from Inter Milan, and Danny Rose from Tottenham Hotspur until August 1.
