Accrington Stanley have signed Liam Gibson from Newcastle United on loan until the end of the season, subject to Premier League and EFL clearance.
The 21-year-old left back has been an important part of the U23 setup at Newcastle, and had been linked to a number of clubs before joining the Reds.
He made his first team debut for Newcastle in a friendly against Lillestrom after a loan spell at Gateshead in 2015, and was named on the bench for United's 1-0 Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion in 2016.
Gibson joins fellow Magpies loanee Dan Barlaser at Stanley, having played with the midfielder since he was 11-years-old.
"I can't wait to get started," said Gibson. "I'm happy to be here.
"I've watched a few of the games, so I know what the club is all about. I know they play good football, so I'm buzzing to be at a club like this.
"U23s football is good, but you need to take that step up at some point. I think that's what makes the gaffer here so good, because not many managers will look at U23s players and think that they're ready for League One, but the manager has shown faith in me that I can come in and do well for the club.
"When you look at this team I think there's no reason why we shouldn't be pushing for a Play-Off spot come the end of the season, the potential is there.
Gibson describes himself as a tough tackling left back who likes to get forward in attack.
Manager John Coleman said: "Liam's a lad we've been tracking for quite a while. He's a good player and he obviously knows a couple of our players as well so that helps with his settling in.
"There were a few clubs interested in him, but the lad's made it clear from day one that he wanted to come to us, so that's pleasing, and hopefully he'll hit the ground running.
"He's a left sided defender, he's got pace and he uses the ball well. He's a bright prospect, both defensively and in attack, so I'm pleased we've managed to get him over the line."
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