Hartlepool United closing in on season loan deal for Newcastle United defender Lewis Cass

The versatile 20-year-old defender has been a regular with The Magpies’ under-23 set-up over the past two seasons, captaining the side on five occasions during the 2019-20 campaign.

He has also been named on Newcastle’s first-team bench for the Premier League match at Fulham during the 2018-19 season as well as the FA Cup third round draw at Rochdale last season.

The Mail understands that Cass is set to get his first proper taste of senior football with Pools with a one-year loan deal lined up at Victoria Park. As standard, a January recall clause is likely to be in place as standard.

Dave Challinor’s side are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements with just four senior defenders in Gary Liddle, David Ferguson, Timi Odusina and Aaron Cunningham, currently signed up.

So the addition of Cass, a natural centre-back who is capable of playing anywhere across the back four, will be a welcome one that won’t dent Pools’ playing budget ahead of the new campaign.

The young defender played against Hartlepool in their opening pre-season match at Newcastle’s Little Benton Academy last month.

He is expected to be announced officially as a Pools player next week as the club looks to finalise the deal with Newcastle.

And with the start of the competitive season just two weeks away, Pools are hoping to announce their new kit at some point over the next week though no official date has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Challinor’s pre-season plans look a turn for the worse as Saturday's proposed friendly against Blyth Spartans at Victoria Park was postponed after someone from Blyth tested positive for coronavirus.

The game was set to be used as a safety trial run in which the club would adhere to strict protocols in preparation for the opening day of the National League season on October 3.

Challinor’s side are set to host Aldershot Town for the opening day of the new season.

On Friday, the Shots announced the shock signing of former Championship Golden Boot winner Ross McCormack, who could make his competitive debut for the club at Victoria Park.

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