Newcastle United new boy Vakhtang Salia has been given a glimpse of his future club's training base after being jetted in to Tyneside ahead of his official transfer later this year. The Magpies beat a host of rivals to the highly-rated 17-year-old forward, who will continue at current club Dinamo Tbilisi in his native Georgia.

Salia will join Newcastle officially when he turns 18 in August but was flown in for the weekend's FA Cup clash with Bromley and given a tour of the club's training base. The teenager watched Sunday's 3-1 win in the stands at St James' Park, flanked by his representatives and some of Newcastle's key boardroom figures.

Salia also met Eddie Howe, some of his future team-mates and was shown around by the club's sporting director Paul Mitchell.The young attacker subsequently missed Tbilisi's first days of pre-season as the club prepare to return to competitive action in the coming weeks.

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Speaking to the club's official media during his Newcastle visit, Salia said: "My father and my agent convinced me that two Georgians played here. The club has a big history.

"The first time I heard it [Newcastle were interested] I could not believe it. It was big news for me. It's my dream to play at St James' Park - and I think it's everyone's dream to play there."

He added: "I don't think I can play in one position. I can play more. Just let me play and I will prove it."

Salia is seen as the future of Georgian football and has previously caught the eye of big suitors across Europe. Newcastle's vast network of scouts, situated around Europe, believe they may have struck gold with an up and coming talent who may turn out to be one of Europe's best in a few years time.

Salia, who is said to have impressed Real Madrid and Bayern Munich visitors in recent months, has already been compared to Napoli star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia - the current poster boy of Georgian football. The youngster will likely be bedded into United's youth setup upon arrival later this year.