Newcastle United's new international scout Jeff Vetere is already at work bringing in a gun Italian prospect.

The Evening Chronicle says Toon are tying up the signing of an Italian teenager from Serie A outfit Atalanta.

United are refusing to say who it is until he has put pen to paper, but they have put £300,000 down as their first payment on the deal.

The man behind the signing of is United's new European scout Vetere, who has already started work at St James's Park.

Vetere, who spent 12 years with Charlton Athletic and has also been with West Ham, has keen keeping in touch with the best young players on the continent after a short spell with Real Madrid.