According to the Sun - via the Hartlepool Mail - Newcastle United have joined the race to try and sign Calum Kavanagh from Middlesbrough.

The youngster has shone at under-18 level on Teesside and also on the international stage in the Irish development set-up.

Indeed, Boro are wanting to get him on as good a contract as possible, as soon as possible, but it looks as though that is going to be tough with some of the big clubs sniffing around.

The likes of Arsenal and Celtic are linked with the player and Newcastle are now apparently joining the battle by taking a closer look at him.

Clearly, Kavanagh could well have a big decision to make in the near future and what he needs to do is weigh up where his future will be best looked after.

If he wants to move but stay local, perhaps Newcastle will be in the driving seat.

The Verdict

There seems a real battle brewing for the young attacker and it's perhaps unsurprising Newcastle are taking a look.

With Boro and Sunderland both short of the Premier League for at least another season, they have the ability to run the rule over the best talent in the north-east and Kavanagh seems to fit that bill right now.