Newcastle United U21 coach Elliott Dickman admits he's unaware of any decision over on-loan attacker Santiago Munoz.

The Mexican forward is coming towards the end of an 18-month loan spell, and could be set to return to parent club Santos Laguna.

The Magpies hold an option to make a deal for the 20-year-old permanent, but the striker has not played since August after undergoing hernia surgery.

Dickman told ChronicleLive: "No, I'm not aware of anything. From our point of view, we're really focused on trying to get Santi back fit and on the grass with the group, and see if he'll be involved in games sooner rather than later.

"I will be involved in some conversations with regards to players. As a group, we have a multi-disciplinary team who we discuss the players with on a regular basis, their progress, the areas they need to develop and improve.

"Once the decision regarding Santi is taken, I'm sure we'll be sitting down to have a conversation when we're needed. I'm not saying some of the senior staff haven't had those conversations, all I know is we're really focused on making sure we get him back on the grass."