Reputable journalist Pete O'Rourke has cited a host of suitors for Newcastle United youngster Matthew Bondswell this summer. 

The lowdown: Major coup

Signed from RB Leipzig last summer, Newcastle had to overcome competition from Premier League rivals West Ham to land former Nottingham Forest starlet.

The 20-year-old England youth international left-back made 24 appearances for the Magpies' Under 23 side and was sent on loan to League One side Shrewsbury Town before being recalled without making a debut.

Now, with opportunities likely to remain few and far between in Eddie Howe's plans it appears that Newcastle are seeking another temporary exit for Bondswell before the end of the transfer window...

The latest: 'Loan target'

Taking to Twitter, O'Rourke - a journalist for Football Insider - has claimed that a 'number of clubs' are considering a move for the four-cap England Under 19 ace.

He stated: “Newcastle United defender Matty Bondswell is a loan target for a number of EFL clubs, including Forest Green. Bondswell has impressed for Newcastle in pre-season and featured in the friendlies against Burnley, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao.”

The verdict: One for the future

Following the permanent capture of Matt Targett from Aston Villa, Howe currently has four senior options to operate at left-back in the shape of Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Jamal Lewis and Targett himself, leaving Bondswell way down the pecking order at St James' Park.

As such, allowing the youngster - who was once compared to Real Madrid superstar David Alaba - to leave on loan and obtain first-team exposure is undoubtedly the best move for all parties.

Capable of operating as a conventional left-back, wing-back and as a central defender, Bondswell certainly shares similar versatility to the UEFA Champions League winner and should still have a bright long-term future at the Tyneside club beyond any forthcoming loan spell.