Newcastle United could look to sign exciting Dundee United teenager Rory MacLeod in a bid to improve their youth system, according to Keith Downie.

The Lowdown: MacLeod making a name for himself

The 16-year-old is certainly a long way from being a household name currently, but he is considered a highly-rated prospect north of the border.

The teenage centre-forward has already made six senior appearances for Dundee United, earning the same number of caps for Scotland's under-17s.

Newcastle may now have the financial power to bring in big-money signings, but it looks as though they are also focusing on youth, which is where MacLeod comes into play.

The Latest: Newcastle linked with MacLeod

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie claimed that the Magpies want to sign the Scottish gem amid the club's overarching efforts to become more competitive at underage level, with the Tyneside club 'looking at' a number of potential academy signings.

The Sky Sports reporter said:

"I think he’s just another one for the youth team. They’re trying to really bulk up the youth side because the academy at Newcastle has been neglected for years.

"What they want to do is just have a more competitive under-23 team and they want to have a more competitive academy and better youth players.

"He’s one of a number that they’re looking at. I heard about that one last week. But he’s certainly not for the first team."

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The Verdict: Youth vital at St James' Park

This is a refreshing approach that Newcastle are taking, considering that they could easily focus on simply signing big-name players who can aid Eddie Howe's first team, given the enormous wealth at PIF's disposal.

It is essential that the Magpies also have a stellar youth system, though, as other affluent clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City have excelled in this regard over the years, producing the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Reece James, to name but a few.

For that reason, MacLeod would be an exciting addition at Newcastle, coming in as an academy player with great potential and either becoming a first-team stalwart one day or potentially being sold on for a hefty sum.

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