Newcastle United are set to welcome a fresh attacker to the club next week as Georgian talent Vakhtang Salia finally finalises his move to Tyneside.

The 17-year-old Dinamo Tbilisi prospect turns 18 on August 30th, the very day he will officially become a Newcastle United player.

Salia penned his first professional deal with the Magpies, which activates upon his 18th birthday. It has been a long wait, but the transfer is now close.

Often likened to compatriot Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Salia chose Newcastle despite interest from several elite clubs chasing his signature.

Having risen through Tbilisi’s youth system, Salia described the switch as bittersweet, releasing a farewell post to Dinamo fans on social media.

“The time has arrived when I must leave my home side,” he wrote. “It’s difficult, yet I know it’s football and the next step in my journey.

“I spent many years at Dinamo – going through nearly every youth category, then breaking into the senior team where I scored my first goal against Torpedo.

“This club taught me everything I know and I’ll remain thankful to every coach, teammate, staff member and supporter along the way.

“I understand that a long road is ahead and I’m prepared to give everything to succeed. Goodbye for now, but I believe we’ll meet again someday. Blue and white forever!”

Though Salia joins the development squad alongside Park Seung-soo, the forward already boasts senior-level minutes, featuring over 50 times for Dinamo Tbilisi and netting eight goals.

As a central striker, circumstances suggest a possible pathway into Eddie Howe’s first team, considering Newcastle’s shortage of options, though it seems unlikely he’ll feature this campaign.

Newcastle’s Under-21s clearly require reinforcements after being hammered 5-0 at home by Chelsea. Despite the pool of gifted individuals, the team has struggled badly to click.