Newcastle are plotting a January swoop for Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley, reports the Sunday Sun. The Magpies have been alerted to Cleverley's rapid progress while on loan at Watford - and were impressed enough by the 20-year-old to plan a bid for him in the New Year.

An attack-minded playmaker, Cleverley has scored six goals this season and forced his way into England's under-21 side.

So well settled at Watford he has agreed to extend his loan spell there for the rest of the season, Cleverley may prefer to stay put at Vicarage Road in January.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to be optimistic the youngster can make a name for himself at Old Trafford in the long term.