TBR Football understands that Newcastle have edged out Premier League duo Tottenham and Leeds to land Barnsley youngster Josh Kenchington, after a family visit to St. James’ Park.

Kenchington, born in January 2010, already has four caps for England’s under-15 side having grown up in the Barnsley ranks.

Featuring at under-18 level for the Yorkshire club, Newcastle have swooped to all but add him to their youth ranks, though other Premier League clubs have been interested in his services.

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Kenchington is the latest EFL youngster to have been linked with a move to the Premier League, with his future seeing him dubbed the ‘next John Stones’, who also came through Barnsley’s youth academy.

And it’s understood that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has seen his recruitment team beat interest from Tottenham and Leeds to land the highly-coveted youngster.

Eddie Howe looks on during a Newcastle training sessionPhoto by George Wood/Getty ImagesExclusive: Newcastle fend off interest from Tottenham and Leeds to sign Josh Kenchington

TBR Football understands that Newcastle have seemingly landed youngster Josh Kenchington.

Sources have confirmed that 15-year-old Kenchington is close to an agreement that would see him swap South Yorkshire for Tyneside. However, it hasn’t been without struggle. Plenty of clubs were keen, including Tottenham and Leeds, but also Manchester City and Manchester United.

Manchester City already have first-team level young talents at the Etihad Stadium, and the Red Devils have made a conscious effort to add young players to their ranks in recent months.

Yet the teenager, having spoken to a number of clubs, will be heading further north to St. James’ Park in his next move, with his family being happy with their visit to the North East and believing Newcastle are a good fit.

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TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey further added that Barnsley expect Newcastle to confirm his arrival. He said: “Josh Kenchington is a player held in huge regard, probably the best since John Stones.

“Barnsley really hoped he would stay to make his debut, but he is heading out. He has spoken to a number of clubs, but Newcastle believe they have won the race to land him – his family were very happy with their visit to Tyneside and think it is a good fit.

“Barnsley sources say they expect Newcastle to confirm his arrival.”

It’s a clear sign of intent by the Magpies to beat other elite English clubs to youth talents and if Kenchington can blossom, it could set a precedent for their future.

A general exterior view of Newcastle United's stadium, St James' ParkPhoto by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesIncoming Newcastle star Josh Kenchington has been compared to John Stones

Being from Barnsley has copped immediate comparisons to England star John Stones, who grew up at Oakwell.

Both centre-backs, Stones graduated from Barnsley’s academy at the age of 17 to make his first-team debut shortly before his 18th birthday – something Kenchington won’t do if Newcastle add more talent to their ranks in the immediate future.

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Some solid performances for his hometown club registered Premier League interest, with Everton snapping him up for £3million.

It was from here that Stones made his England debut, and when Pep Guardiola came calling, the boy from Barnsley moved to the perennial trophy winners.

John Stones was touted for a return to Everton in the summer, which would have ended his nine-year stint at the Etihad. And, with 282 appearances for City having marked six Premier League titles, four domestic cups and the Champions League, as well as 85 caps and two international finals, it would have called an end to a strong spell – even with Stones claiming he considered retirement after injury woes.

If Newcastle can get even an ounce of that service from Kenchington, it will be an incredible deal for the Magpies.