Newcastle United are entering the final stretch of a testing January transfer window knowing it is outgoings over incomings on the agenda at present. That doesn't just only apply to the first-team but also for the Magpies' youth sides too.

Garang Kuol, one of the first 'project' signings made after the 2021 takeover, was destined to be the next star on Tyneside but his stint at St James' Park to date has been underwhelming to say the least. Loan spells at both Hearts and Dutch side FC Volendam proved wasted opportunities and injury issues this term hampered any temporary move away last summer.

But Kuol is now fit again and has made an exciting return in Diarmuid O'Carroll's under-21 team, scoring in clashes against Gateshead and Southampton's U21 side in recent days. As his for his immediate future, that remains up in the air as Newcastle enter the final days of the winter trading period.

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Howe has already cast his eye over the player on a number of occasions but has so far been unwilling to call on Kuol in a competitive game for the senior side. The boss admitted a potential loan exit this month would depend on 'physical things' - and a decision will be taken in the coming days as to whether the 20-year-old stays in Newcastle's youth setup until the end of the season or moves on before the February 3rd deadline.

“Potentially [he will stay]. no decisions are made,” O'Carroll told reporters last week after Kuol had netted in the under-21's 4-2 win over Gateshead. “Obviously, everything can change in the last week in the window. But I think from our point of view, we’re perfectly comfortable with him being in the building.

“If someone was to come and there’s an attractive option, again we would sit down as a team in terms of Jack [Ross] and everybody and we weigh it up.

“We don’t want to send someone for a token gesture because it looks good to send them on loan. We want from now on every loan to be tailored to the needs of the player.”

Newcastle have already loaned out youngsters Charlie McArthur, Travis Hernes and Alex Murphy in recent days, with the likes of Alfie Harrison also in contention to be shipped out before the summer.