NEWCASTLE UNITED are putting the final touches to the signing of highly-rated Irish youngster Cathal Heffernan from AC Milan.

Heffernan is joining Newcastle on a permanent basis, and will initially link up with the Magpies’ Under-21s squad as he looks to continue his career development on Tyneside.

The 19-year-old impressed during a trial with Newcastle earlier this month, and has been offered a full-time deal with the club. He was due to fly into Newcastle earlier today to complete his move to the North-East.

A Republic of Ireland Under-19 international, Heffernan began his career with Ringmahon Rangers before joining Cork City’s youth set-up in 2019.

A defender who can play at centre-half or full-back, he made his senior debut for Cork City in the Irish top-flight in 2021 and quickly caught the attention of scouts from across Europe.

He had trials with a number of Italian clubs including Juventus and Roma, and eventually opted to join AC Milan on loan in January 2022.

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He played for Milan’s Under-18s and Under-19s teams during his loan spell, and was offered a one-year deal with the club last summer, with Milan reportedly paying Cork a five-figure sum.

That deal expired at the end of last season, and while he was offered deals to remain in Italy, he has opted to head to Newcastle in order to join the club’s youth set-up.

Newcastle have made the strengthening of their youth ranks a key priority since Dan Ashworth was appointed as sporting director last year.

Garang Kuol was an eye-catching addition in January – the Australian is currently on loan with Dutch side FC Volendam – while the Magpies signed 19-year-old forward Yankuba Minteh earlier this summer before immediately sending him on loan to Feyenoord.

Assuming his move goes through as planned, it remains to be seen whether Heffernan is considered for a loan move before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.