Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher could have joined Newcastle as a teenager, it has been revealed.

A former Toon Academy player told the Evening Chronicle: "In the summers, if you had not signed for a Scottish club, you went to English clubs in the holidays.

"Fletch came to Newcastle a few times, but there was no denying he was also involved with Manchester United. When it came down to signing for a club, he was very close to joining Newcastle.

"They thought they had him, and were gutted to lose him at the last minute.

"He was a tremendous player, and he was going to Manchester United from a very young age. He was slight, but very talented."