Newcastle United teenage forward Alex Gilliead has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at League Two side Carlisle United until the end of the season, has put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at St. James’ Park until 30th June 2018, with the option of a further year.
Gilliead is yet to make his first team debut for Newcastle but was an unused substitute at Leicester City in the FA Cup in January 2015 and is a current England Under-20 international.
“I’m over the moon,” he said.
“Newcastle is my boyhood club – I’ve always wanted to play for them and always will want to play for them, so as soon as I knew they wanted to offer me a new contract, I jumped at it.
“I’ve grown up a lot over the last few months at Carlisle and I think the loan has really helped me to get into this position.”
Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren added: “Alex is a tricky wide player, someone who is very direct and is doing very well at Carlisle United.
“He has chosen the right career path by going on loan, impressing and earning a new contract. He is a player with a good future.”