Who is William Osula, joining Newcastle United from Sheffield United?

The Magpies are set to pay an initial fee of £10m for the 20-year-old, who can play as a central striker or a wide attacker, with an extra £5m potentially due in add-on clauses.

Who is the youngster who is set to become Newcastle’s fifth summer signing after John Ruddy, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lewis Hall and Lloyd Kelly?

* Osula was born in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, in August 2003 to a Danish mother and a Nigerian father.

* The forward began his career in the youth academy of FC Copenhagen, one of Denmark’s leading sides, but moved to England to joined Sheffield United’s academy set-up in 2018.

* Osula made his first-team debut for Sheffield United as a substitute in a goalless draw against Blackpool in March 2022. He was 18 at the time, with then Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom quick to talk up his potential despite him having had a disrupted few years in the youth ranks.

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“Will has had three really frustrating years with growth-related injuries and illnesses and things like that,” said Heckingbottom. “He has missed so much football, but we really like him and think he's a fantastic young talent.

* Osula spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Derby County, scoring five goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for the League One club.

* Having spent the season at Derby, Osula returned to Sheffield United and was promoted to the Blades’ first-team ranks in the summer of 2023. Heckingbottom could see potential in the youngster, but was also aware of key areas for improvement.

“If someone gets on the ball with the chance to play Will in, or play forward, Will's body language is so aggressive,” said Heckingbottom after a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023-24 season. “He comes alive, he's alert. But the rest of the time he's walking around like he's a space cadet. We’ve now got footage to show him exactly what we mean.

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" We have to be very careful. When working with young players, it's not all about what they can't do and what he needs to get better at. He needs to know we love him and we think he's going to be a top player. That footage will show him exactly why he is an absolute handful, but with loads to learn.”

* Osula spent last season in Sheffield United’s first-team squad as the Blades were relegated from the top-flight.

William Osula in action against Manchester City (Image: Martin Rickett/PA)

He made 21 Premier League appearances without scoring – nine of which saw him starting – but did find the net in FA Cup matches against Gillingham and Brighton.

* Osula is eligible to play for Denmark, Nigeria and England at international level, but has been developing through the Danish representatives system.

He was a Denmark Under-19 international, and has made five appearances, scoring one goal, since stepping up to Under-21 level with Denmark.

* Osula has been playing for Sheffield United in pre-season this summer, often starting as a wide attacker on the left-hand side.

He scored in a win over York City last month, and was widely regarded as the best player on the pitch, with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder full of praise for his performance.

“When we changed the team around, I thought Will Osula was outstanding off the left,” said Wilder. “He possibly could have had a hat-trick, but it was a great finish from him for the goal.”