Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce wants to develop a closer relationship with Wallsend.

The Evening Chronicle says it has been a positive week for the club's youngsters with teenagers Joe White and Elliot Anderson signing professional deals and Kell Watts penning a extension to his current agreement.

Anderson is a product of Wallsend Boys Club and Bruce - who is a graduate of the old Station Road building where he played alongside Peter Beardsley as a kid - is keen to utilise the grassroots scene.

Both Bruce and Beardsley were rejected as youngsters back in the day and knowing the amount of talent that is still slipping the net on Tyneside, the head coach is keen to take an even closer look at the area.