Newcastle United reportedly lead the race to sign 21-year-old lightning-fast Peterborough United forward Ricky-Jade Jones.
According to a report by The Sun, Ricky-Jade Jones is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The 21-year-old lightning-fast forward is garnering interest from the Premier League due to his exploits in League One. And the Magpies lead the race to sign the youngster from Peterborough United in the summer transfer window.
Who is Ricky-Jade Jones?
Ricky-Jade Jones is one of the brightest young prospects in England outside the Premier League. A native of Peterborough, he spent his formative years in his hometown before graduating from the youth division at Peterborough United a few years ago.
The 21-year-old made his first-team debut for Peterborough United as a 16-year-old in October 2019. Since then, the youngster has come leaps and bounds, rising in prominence due to his lightning-fast speed. Such is Jones’s burst of pace that he completes a 100m sprint only 1.4 seconds slower than the legendary Usain Bolt.
Meanwhile, Jones’s electric speed is not his only asset, as he has contributed to 16 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions. He has found the back of the net 11 times while providing five assists. Meanwhile, the young forward’s progress at the League One club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several Premier League bigwigs, including Newcastle United.
Premier League move on the cards?
Newcastle United’s interest in Ricky-Jade Jones might be surprising. The 21-year-old is not a potential blockbuster signing for the cash-rich club. But with the Tyneside outfit in danger of flouting the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, they must be clever with their strategy in the market.
Newcastle United will likely part ways with Miguel Almiron in the summer transfer window. So, they need a replacement for the offensive unit, although Jones is not a like-for-like substitute. However, the Englishman will not cost a bomb, considering he will enter the final year of his contract with Peterborough United this summer. And the Magpies lead the race to sign him.
Other attackers, including Federico Chiesa, are also on Newcastle United’s radar. But Jones can be a signing that flows under the radar but fits the system under Eddie Howe. So, it will be interesting to see if a move for the 21-year-old lightning-fast forward sees the light of day.
