Newcastle United's Kell Watts is the subject of interest as the club consider whether to sanction another loan move, Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder reports.

The lowdown

Watts spent the 2020/21 season on loan at League One Plymouth Argyle, racking up 50 appearances.

A versatile option, he has been used predominantly as a centre-back but also as a full-back and midfielder.

Watts' one and only appearance for Newcastle's senior team came on the final day of the 2019/20 season as he came off the bench against Liverpool.

But he featured for Steve Bruce's side on Sunday in their friendly defeat against non-league York City and was described as the 'bright spark' by The Athletic's Chris Waugh.

There could be a vacancy in Newcastle's defensive ranks with Florian Lejeune set to seal a move away.

The latest

Ryder now reports that there are 'a couple of clubs' interested in signing Watts on a temporary basis.

It will be up to loan coordinator Shola Ameobi to advise Bruce on whether it's the smartest move in the coming days.

The verdict

One of Ryder's colleagues, Andrew Musgrove, has called for Watts to be integrated into the first-team this season. There's clearly plenty of excitement about the youngster's potential.

But this is why Newcastle employ Ameobi. He's best placed to decide whether Watts would benefit more from a season playing week in, week out in a lower tier or from sporadic top-level involvement.

If he is to be loaned out, it ought to be the Championship, otherwise he might find the step-up too demanding when the time arrives to try his luck in the top flight.

In other news, read Chris Waugh's worrying transfer update.