Newcastle United loan manager Shola Ameobi believes this is the best time for a young player to join the club.

The Magpies, who are owned by Saudi Arabia, are working hard to develop the best youth program in the world.

Ameobi is aware that a part of the club's plan is to bring in the best talent from around the world, while boss Eddie Howe is ready to put young players in his first team as well.

The former striker said, per Chronicle Live: "Sir Bobby Robson was notorious for bringing young players to the club and developing them through the Academy system.

“You look at Eddie Howe has looked at young players to coach. There's never been a better time for a young player to be at the club since Sir Bobby's time.

"Eddie wants to engage with the younger players and he gives them opportunities every single day.

“I think young players trained 320 times or so with the first-team last year, that's a heck of a lot of time to train with the manager, he wants that time with the Academy.

"If you do well, like Elliot Anderson has, you will stay there. That's great to see for me, he want to give them the opportunity."