By Nnamdi Onyeagwara

19th Jul, 2022 | 9:12pm

View: Could Newcastle starlet Michael Ndiweni be the solution to St James' Park striker problems?

Newcastle starlet Michael Ndiweni has been quietly making a name for himself in the youth academy but could he be in line for a big season?

The Magpies have been searching for a striker, recently being linked with the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Ivan Toney, and Gianluca Scammaca.

However, could the solution to their striker woes be lying in the youth academy ready to make the step up to the first team?

Big future?

The 18-year-old striker is one of the most promising members of the Newcastle youth academy, and Geordie fans have begun to clamour to see more of the starlet.

Ndweni, who was born in Throckley, has been lighting it up in the youth divisions, scoring 13 goals in 18 games in all competitions last season, a frightening strike rate of 0.7 goals per game.

He particularly exploded in the Premier League Two where he scored nine goals in 13 games as his side finished eighth in group two of the division.

The centre-forward, who is of Zimbabwean descent, also recently scored in a pre-season victory against La Liga outfit Elche, capitalizing off a defender’s mistake, using his speed to break away from on-rushing defenders and poking expertly past the keeper.

The youngster is now in line to feature for the first team in their pre-season friendly against Blackburn Rovers.

Ndiweni could be a player to watch for the Magpies and if he continues to progress, it won’t be long until he is a genuine striking option for Eddie Howe.

In other Newcastle news, the club are looking pry away 15-year-old Chris Wigg from rivals Sunderland.