Newcastle Confidential: Lewis Miley one of five Toon stars on England radar, why club have set aside £25m transfer fund, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn injury return updates and the young centre back being scouted

Lewis Miley has been the subject of watching eyes from the stands of late, with England scouts checking on Newcastle’s teenage sensation.

Insiders believe the 19-year-old has a chance of being elevated to Thomas Tuchel ’s senior squad, and that is supported by the presence of FA staff at recent matches.

Miley’s performances at right back have showcased his versatility and full back is one area where places are yet to be settled in the England squad. Likewise, there is an opportunity in midfield - Miley’s natural position - where the fourth slot alongside Declan Rice , Elliot Anderson and Jordan Henderson remains up for grabs.

But it was not just Miley the scouts were checking on, with Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope also in action during one of the matches in question. Indeed, the feeling around Hall is that he is almost certain to be included in Tuchel’s squad for the March internationals, should he maintain form and fitness. Gordon will be selected if fit, but Pope must again prove his worth after injury.

Meanwhile, Tino Livramento faces a race to be ready for the March friendlies, the last international meet before the World Cup squad is named.

As revealed by Daily Mail Sport this week, he is facing eight weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and that would take him very close to the likely squad announcement date of March 20.

Lewis Miley's performances at right back have showcased his versatility and full back is one area where places are yet to be settled in the England squad

Tino Livramento faces a race to be ready for England's March friendlies, the last before the World Cup squad is named

Toon scout heads for Paris

Newcastle scout Kevin Metcalfe is leaving the club to take up a position at Paris Saint-Germain.

Confidential can reveal that the long-serving analyst has said his goodbyes after nine years on Tyneside, during which time he has worked on first-team recruitment, reporting into the manager and head of recruitment Steve Nickson.

Metcalfe arrived from Blackburn in 2017 and was well thought of within St James’ Park. He is now due to take up a fresh opportunity with the European champions. His Newcastle role will be filled.

Targett wants to finish Boro job

Matt Targett wants to stay at Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season, and Newcastle are sympathetic to his wishes.

The 30-year-old’s contract is set to expire this summer and it is thought a deal will be agreed to sign permanently for his loan club, where he has shone this season and played regularly.

Targett’s form and fitness has given rise to the possibility of Newcastle recalling him this month, given their own injury problems in defence. Confidential understands the clause to do so remains active.

However, head coach Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson are keen to respect the left back’s preference. For now, they are looking elsewhere to bring in cover for the position and there is a desire to sign a right-sided centre back. We understand a pot of cash has been made available for the latter, and that could be as much as £25million, were the right player to be available.

Matt Targett (left) wants to stay at Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season, and Newcastle are sympathetic to his wishes

Toon keep an eye on Gabriel

Newcastle have scouted Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel, a 21-year-old centre back, but they are yet to follow up on those checks.

On the situation at centre back, Fabian Schar does have a chance of playing again this season, but that will be April at the earliest.

With the campaign finishing at Fulham on May 24, the 34-year-old has the incentive of returning to feature during the run-in, after injuring his ankle ligaments against Leeds last week.

But one player who has almost certainly played his last game for Newcastle is club captain Jamaal Lascelles, who is currently looking for another club. West Ham is one option being explored.

There is good news on Dan Burn, though. His rib injury is healing well and don’t be surprised if he features before the end of the month, perhaps even as quickly as the trip to PSG in 13 days’ time.

Newcastle have scouted Lecce’s 21-year-old centre back Tiago Gabriel (right)

Wissa's Christmas spirit

Yoane Wissa was part of Newcastle’s annual hospital visits at Christmas, but the striker returned a week later with his own donation.

Confidential has learned that the dad of two made a special trip to the children’s wards at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and made a significant donation for the purchase of toys and games consoles for patients to use throughout the year.

Wissa spent time with families and children and wanted to give something back to the local community in appreciation of the support he received following his arrival on Tyneside, especially as he had to wait three months before making his debut because of a knee injury.

On the pitch, the 29-year-old is still feeling his way back to full fitness and has spent time working with his own trainer in recent months in a bid to leave no stone unturned.

Yoane Wissa made a special trip to the children’s wards at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle and made a donation for the purchase of toys and games consoles for patients

Lawrence walks out on Under 21s

Newcastle are looking for their fifth Under 21s boss in as many years after Adam Lawrence resigned last week.

While his exit after only four months was met with surprise in some quarters, there had been word for several weeks of the move not working out, for him or the club.

The Under 21s had won one in nine matches and, while that level is more about development than results, there was talk of Lawrence not enjoying the role and the club also believing the fit was not right. Robbie Stockdale has taken temporary charge as a decision is awaited on what avenue to pursue next.

Lawrence, formerly of Manchester United Under 18s, said: ‘After being at the club for a short period of time this was a really difficult decision to make. However, there are times in life where you have to make tough choices and this is one of those moments.’

Toon hunt sponsor for new training ground

Daily Mail Sport broke the exclusive news this week of Newcastle’s move to buy land in Woolsington to build a state-of-the-art £200m training complex.

Once paperwork is completed and planning permission granted (which is not thought to be an issue given previous applications on the plot) attention will turn to securing a sponsor for the centre.

While the current training ground in North Tyneside has never had a sponsor, the new facilities are a lucrative opportunity to attract a world-renowned brand and bolster club revenues.

Watch this space…

Toon Teaser

Finally, it’s Toon Teaser time. Since 1992-93, there are only EIGHT players to have played for Newcastle and Wolves. Name them!