Newcastle sign England youth star - Exclusive story confirmed and official photos

Newcastle United have completed the signing of highly-rated England youth centre-back Josh Kenchington.

As we revealed in an NUFC Blog exclusive last month, the Yorkshire-born teenager was all set to join Newcastle as our latest Academy addition, and that move has now been made official following clearance of Premier League family checks.

Newcastle beat a number of Premier League rivals to his signature, with Man Utd, Spurs and Brighton also showing interest before the defender opted for a switch to the North East for a fee of £350,000 plus bonuses, as Keith Downie reports.

Kenchington is an England Under-15 regular who has drawn comparisons to John Stones as a tall, ball-playing centre-back from Barnsley, and was named the League One side's Academy Player of the Year in April.

Josh will attend school in Newcastle while training at the clubs Little Benton Academy and might just be a name we hear a lot more about in the near feature.

Posting about his decision to leave Barnsley on Instagram, Josh said: “Where do I start. 5 years at this great academy, filled with both ups and downs, a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, including academy staff, players, and every coach along the way, thank you all.

“I will never forget the memories made at my boyhood club and never forget how much I progressed. But it’s time now for the next chapter of my life. We move…”

Welcome to Newcastle, Josh!