Newcastle in talks with Lewis Miley over long-term contract
Newcastle have opened talks over a long-term deal for Lewis Miley when he turns 18 later this season.
The 17-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents in the last two months, breaking into Eddie Howe’s team and playing in the last nine games which included his first senior goal at the weekend in Newcastle’s win against Fulham.
Miley only turned professional in May when he turned 17 and under competition rules, he could only sign for a maximum of three years at that age. But Newcastle are working towards a fresh long-term contract which will start after he turns 18 in May, which can come into effect during the summer.
Howe brought on Miley last season on the final day of the campaign against Chelsea but his rise since November has been remarkable, stepping into the team after Sandro Tonali’s ban and Joe Willock’s injury.
His maturity in central midfield has been highlighted by Howe, who started him in eight consecutive matches, then brought him off the bench against Fulham at the weekend and watched him get on the scoresheet.
“His all-round performances have been so good and he’s created a couple of goals with his passes in the final third so it was good to see him get rewarded with a goal himself,” said Howe afterwards. “He’s an incredible talent and he’s started his Newcastle career in a great way.”
Miley has also been called up for England Under-19s this season and he will be in contention for an Under-21 call-up should he continue playing in the first team at Newcastle.
A local player from County Durham, he has been at the club since he was seven in the academy and became Newcastle’s youngest player in nearly 15 years when he featured against Chelsea last season.
