HITC Sport understands Newcastle United are interested in the Preston youngster.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Preston North End youngster Josh Earl, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Earl is highly-regarded at Preston having progressed through the ranks at Deepdale.
The 18-year-old has yet to make his competitive senior debut for Preston, but he has been involved in Preston’s pre-season friendlies so far this season.
Earl, who can play at left-back as well as left wing, impressed for Preston’s Under-18s side last season and he has been handed the chance to train and play with the first-team this summer.
Preston manager Alex Neil
The teenager’s progress at Preston has not gone unnoticed elsewhere with several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
However, Newcastle are stepping up their interest in Earl as they look for a replacement for Everton-bound Lewis Gibson.
Everton are closing in on the signing of the promising defender Gibson with talks at an advanced stage between both clubs.
Newcastle are now looking at potential replacements for Gibson and they see Earl as someone they can develop into a potential first-team star at St James’ Park.
Preston are keen to keep hold of Earl, but they will find it hard to resist any sizeable offer from Newcastle for the youngster.
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