Rolando Aarons To Sign New Deal As Newcastle Stave Off Liverpool And Man City Interest

NUFC act quickly to tie down star talent amid fresh interest from the Premier League's big boys.

By Chris Waugh /

Newcastle United expect Rolando Aarons to sign a new long-term contract within the next couple of weeks as they aim to tie their star prospect to the club amid interest from some of the Premier League's big guns, WhatCulture.com/NUFC understands. Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are just three of the clubs who have been contemplating a move for the winger and the Magpies want to sort out the 19-year-old's future imminently. The news emerges after Aarons proved to be Newcastle's only bright spark in a 4-3 loss to Portland Timbers 2 on Wednesday morning, with the Jamaican-born England Under-20 international almost singlehandedly dragging the Magpies back into the game with a brilliant brace. First he scored a spectacular overhead kick after flicking the ball up to himself, then the 5ft 9in winger rifled an unstoppable left-footed shot from the edge of the area into the back of the net. Aarons has been offered a long-term contract by Newcastle, believed to be at least five years in length, and he will see a significant pay increase should he decide to sign it as expected once the Toon land back on Tyneside from their US tour. He has just 12 months to run on his current deal. Despite missing the majority of the 2014-15 campaign through repetitive soft-tissue injuries, Aarons impressed during Newcastle's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory at the Etihad in October, as well as against Crystal Palace in the Premier League in September, and that pricked the attention of some of England's big boys. WhatCulture.com/NUFC understands Liverpool see Aarons as a direct replacement for Raheem Sterling, who joined Man City for £49 million this summer, while the Sky Blues are determined to fill their required quota of homegrown players. Arsenal also have an interest in Aarons, though their vast quantity of attacking talent means they are less willing to enter a potential bidding war. Signed by Newcastle from Bristol Rovers' academy in 2012, Aarons has made just six competitive first-team appearances - without a Premier League start - but has already established himself as the Toon's most-exciting prospect with two goals and two assists. He has also netted twice in five England Under-20 appearances. CLICK HERE to read the Match Report from Newcastle's 4-3 loss to Portland Timbers.And CLICK HERE to read the Player Ratings from the game.For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.