Manchester United have decided to let Ethan Galbraith leave once his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Red Devils opted against activating the option to extend his deal by an additional 12 months.
Man United feel there is little chance of recouping a significant fee on Galbraith, with his wages set to increase if his deal was extended.
The 22-year-old has been on loan at League Two club Salford City, and he will not be short of suitors in the summer.
Newcastle United are one of the clubs keen on the Northern Ireland international, according to ManchesterWorld.
Galbraith would be sent on loan if he moved to the Magpies, but the Red Devils could be missing out on a trick.
The academy graduate made one senior appearance for Man United in the 2019 Europa League tie against Astana.
However, his potential cannot be denied, and he has what it takes to become a top Premier League player.
Newcastle have the cash to splash due to their Saudi owners, but they are willing to sign Galbraith for free for a reason.
Former Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough previously described him as a potential superstar.
“Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi,” Baraclough said in 2020.
“[He’s] someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes.
“Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad.”
Galbraith is yet to fulfil his potential three years later but has garnered much-needed experience at Doncaster Rovers and Salford.
Salford manager and former Red Devils youth coach Neil Wood described him as technically gifted and a player who ‘can pick a pass and has all the different varieties of delivery’ in 2019.
Galbraith was also dubbed the ‘best young player’ at the club after getting included in the squad for the 2020 Europa League final.
However, Man United were unwilling to keep him given the plethora of talents available to manager Erik ten Hag.
Nevertheless, letting him go could end up proving costly.
It will be interesting to see where Galbraith ends up, but a move to Newcastle could fire him up.
The midfielder will be keen to prove the Red Devils wrong, and the Magpies or another club could benefit from their mistake.
