Relegated Championship club Coventry City are hoping to ward off advances from Newcastle United for Gael Bigirimana.

The 18-year old Burundi-born Congo midfielder has emerged as a £1million target for the Magpies but Sky Blues boss Andy Thorn is confident he can keep him at the Ricoh Arena despite dropping down to League One.

"Gael's a good talent but he's still got a heck of a lot to learn and I'd be really disappointed if he left," Thorn told the Coventry Telegraph.

"He's in there and very much part of my plans and I'd love to see him continue his development with us.

"I think it's really important at his age that he's playing competitive football. I'd love him to be part of it."

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