Newcastle watch to sign £2m Peterborough ace

Peterborough United lifted the EFL Trophy on Sunday afternoon, and Newcastle United were reportedly in attendance to watch forward Ricky-Jade Jones.

Newcastle United were linked with Peterborough United starlet Jones on Saturday prior to Sunday’s final. The Sun reported that the Magpies were due to scout the 21-year-old at Wembley Stadium as they weigh up potential cut-price additions to their ranks.

League One side Posh are said to value the academy graduate at £2m. He’s managed 11 goals and five assists in 49 games across all competitions this season and has already made 139 senior appearances for the club.

Jones was in from the start as Darren Ferguson’s side triumphed over Wycombe Wanderers too. He played 80 minutes as a Harrison Burrows brace won it for the Posh.

The young forward’s performance drew praise from Peterborough Telegraph reporter Alan Swann, who highlighted Jones’ work-rate and ‘decent’ work on the ball against Wycombe’s physical backline.

He scored his performance a 7/10, writing:

“The usual excellence in terms of work-rate and he was decent enough on the ball to keep two strong centre-backs honest. Delivered a couple of fine crosses. Looked to lack confidence when in shooting positions, but he did well.”

Eyes on Posh stars

It wouldn’t be at all surprising if Newcastle United weren’t the only ones with eyes on Peterborough United and their top talents. In fact, the Magpies may well have taken the chance to run the rule over a few players.

Alongside Jones as Posh stars tipped for big futures are Ronnie Edwards, Kwame Poku, captain Burrows, Hector Kyprianou and Ephron Mason-Clark. The latter was signed by Coventry City in the winter before being loaned back for the rest of the season.

Time will tell if anyone comes of Newcastle’s rumoured interest in Jones with Peterborough United sure to face more interest in their key men this summer.