Newcastle have made a major mistake losing Adam Armstrong [Opinion]

Former Newcastle prospect Adam Armstrong is in talks to sign a new deal with Blackburn after a thrilling start to this season – and the Mags should be embarrassed they let him go.

The 23-year-old came up through the Newcastle academy ranks and is a boyhood fan of the club, but Rafa Benitez sanctioned his exit in 2018 despite a fine pre-season that summer.

Having scored 16 goals this term, Armstrong is firmly in the race to win the Championship’s Golden Boot award at the end of the season and is enjoying a prolific campaign.

His good form has not gone unnoticed; West Ham have already shown an interest in the young striker and he may well see a Premier League move in the not-too-distant future.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that, whilst no formal approaches have been made for Armstrong, Rovers are keen to extend his deal, which currently expires in 2022.

In an embarrassing twist, Steve Bruce was reported in September as being an admirer of the natural marksman and Newcastle may have faced eating humble pie in bringing their rejected prospect back.

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With 19 goal involvements in just 23 Championship appearances, Armstrong has evidently proven that Newcastle made a major mistake in letting the forward go.

He has been fit, too, having started in 96% of all of Blackburn’s league games this season. However, his age must be the biggest cause for excitement – already looking like a well-rounded option, Armstrong is still just 23.

Although his bank of experience is building, he retains plenty of fine years ahead of him in his career and the prospect of him improving even further as he approaches his mid-20s is mouth-watering.

Newcastle may severely rue the sale of their academy product – especially if he moves to a rival Premier League club and punishes the Magpies in future seasons.