The Athletic reporter Chris Waugh has revealed that Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson has been the subject of interest from clubs in the Championship on deadline day, but added that the Magpies are unlikely to loan him out.
Anderson, 18, made his debut & Premier League debut this season & is highly-rated by Steve Bruce & #NUFC's coaches.
At the weekend, Anderson was on the bench ahead of Sean Longstaff. But, if Willock arrives, game-time may prove even more restricted for Anderson.
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) February 1, 2021
The development of Anderson has been one of the most encouraging aspects of the Magpies’ season so far, with the 18-year-old having managed to break into the first team under Steve Bruce this term. The midfielder has been in and around the squad for the last month or so as he looks to make a name for himself.
The Magpies have been trying hard to bolster their midfield options ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline, with a move for Joe Willock from Arsenal reportedly close. There has also been interest in Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, but that move is looking uncertain to get over the line at this stage, according to Waugh.
Anderson, 18, made his debut & Premier League debut this season & is highly-rated by Steve Bruce & #NUFC's coaches.
At the weekend, Anderson was on the bench ahead of Sean Longstaff. But, if Willock arrives, game-time may prove even more restricted for Anderson.
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) February 1, 2021
Waugh added that Anderson “has received interest” from some Championship clubs, but Newcastle are set to maintain a firm stance in not letting him leave on loan before the 11pm deadline, as he is “highly-rated” by Bruce and his coaching staff.
That means the 18-year-old will instead fight for his place in the Newcasrle first team for the rest of the season.
Read Newcastle verdict
With Newcastle set to keep hold of both Matty and Sean Longstaff and potentially sign one or two more midfielders, it seems surprising that they would not be willing to allow Anderson to go and get some regular game-time in the Championship.
The 18-year-old is unlikely to make it into the Newcastle starting line-up for the rest of the season and might therefore have benefitted from a loan. However, it does show that Bruce holds him in high enough regard to view him as an important member of the squad.
