By David Williams
Newport County AFC have announced the arrival of Charlie McNeill on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old forward arrives from Premier League giants Manchester United, with the move subject to EFL approval and international clearance.
After impressing at youth level, Charlie has put pen to paper on his first move into senior, professional football.
After reportedly scoring over 600 goals for Manchester City, McNeill moved to the red side of Manchester and scored 24 goals in 21 goals in the Under-18 Premier League, which included a four-goal haul against former club City.
The following season saw Charlie net 17 times in 32 games across five competitions for Man United’s youth sides – Premier League Two, the Under-18 Premier League, the FA Youth Cup, the UEFA Youth League and the EFL Trophy.
https://twitter.com/NewportCounty/status/1620392806572490753
This campaign, Charlie has scored three goals in five games in the EFL Trophy, including a penalty against next Saturday’s opponents Barrow, as well as strikes at Carlisle and League One Fleetwood.
Charlie also earned his first-team Manchester United debut in September as he played the final seven minutes of the Red Devils’ Europa League game at home to La Liga outfit Real Sociedad.
In addition, he has four England Under-16 caps to his name, scoring once.
On joining the Exiles, Charlie said “I’m really proud and honoured to be representing this club. I know it’s a big club and a family-based club and I’m just really happy to be here.
“The gaffer made me feel really comfortable as soon as I spoke to him, he was really nice, he really sold it to me.
ℹ️ Sory Kaba is clearly a player with talent, Cardiff City hopeful of securing a loan deal today.
Player has attracted interest from Club Brugge and Anderlecht.
Anderlecht had contact with the player as late as last evening. Kaba has travelled to Cardiff but deal not done. pic.twitter.com/q2BiElOuTY
— Alex Wallace (@AlexWSport) January 31, 2023
“I can’t wait to meet the lads, get training and hopefully play the game on Saturday!”
Cardiff City are interested in securing a loan deal for FC Midjylland forward Sory Kaba. The Guinea international has attracted interest from Club Brugge and Anderlecht over the past months but the Bluebirds are understood to have been long term admirers of Kaba.
The 6ft 3 striker is sure to add some much needed stature to Cardiff’s front line and it is hoped he can help the Bluebirds add some goals, having only scored 21 times in 28 games this season, the worst record in the Championship.
The Guinean striker scored 12 goals in 29 outings while on loan an OH Leuven last year. Although Kaba has just scored twice in 27 appearances this season for Danish side Midtylland.
Meanwhile Swansea City seem to be having a quiet end to the window. Michael Obafemi sealed his loan move to Burnley after months of speculation. Swansea have since been forced to condemn the racist abuse directed at the Republic of Ireland international since his departure.
While Six departures have left Russell Martin’s squad looking quite bare, with the potential of injuries leaving deep holes in certain positions. Swansea fans will be hoping for some more signings before the transfer window closes tonight.