Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media, after the Grimsby Telegraph linked the Toon with Scunthorpe United attacking midfielder John McAtee.
The 20-year-old has been one of the Iron’s star players this season during what is described as a ‘highly disappointing’ campaign for Paul Hurst’s Sands Venue Stadium natives.
McAtee has made 10 senior appearances in all competitions for Scunthorpe since earning his debut on New Year’s Day, with his exploits since lauded having scored twice, assisted two goals and been named as the Man of the Match on three occasions.
Newcastle were first made aware of McAtee during a Premier League Cup tie last November, when the Manchester-born midfielder was heavily involved in the action as we drew 3-3 in front of 108 supporters.
Toon scouts have continued to monitor the youngster’s progress since the U23s clash, and were in attendance as the starlet struck the only effort in a 1-0 win over Cheltenham Town last weekend.
United could look to sign McAtee at the end of the season though would have to strike an agreement with Scunthorpe, as the Irons have an option to extend the former Burnley youth player’s contract by a further year.
Scunthorpe only offered McAtee a one-year deal when he joined from Shrewsbury Town last summer, but will be loath to lose him for free with Championship sides also believed to be following his development.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to the reports linking United with Scunthorpe midfielder McAtee…
Lol what a joke the toon really are showing ambition
— staticlinetattoos (@staticlinetatt1) February 13, 2020
Bruce will do as he’s told and label him a talent
— Simon (@SimonPatrick9) February 13, 2020
Why not just go n get toney back…. We have a sell on clause so wouldn’t have to pay the £13m Bournemouth are rumoured to be spending lol
— AJ (@AmazingAJ87) February 13, 2020
Seems like a natural goalscorer, sign him up and lash him into the starting XI.
— XI Delta (@XI_Delta) February 13, 2020
What price we talking? £50 million? £60 million? I know they’re big prices but we seem to spend that kinda money on players that can’t score in the premier league
— Joseph Barton (@Barticus2894) February 13, 2020
Seems like a repeat of Ivan Toney
— Adam Stordy (@AJStordy2) February 13, 2020
Out of our price range that
— murraysminted75 (@pennyfloater75) February 13, 2020
Sounds lethal
— Jase (@HolzvonHolzer) February 13, 2020
We can’t even get our own players “over the line”. Just sign Matty to a new deal damn it. What league are they even in?
— Two Rash Challenges Podcast (@rash_podcast) February 13, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, Bruce is eying the signature of a 34-cap midfielder ahead of the summer market.