UPDATE (Feb. 28, 1:45 pm ET): Newcastle midfielder Kyle Scott has arrived in the United States ahead of a reported trial with FC Cincinnati, the Shields Gazette reports. The 23-year-old will undergo a seven-day quarantine period before joining the club for preseason. FC Cincinnati are expected to release their preseason schedule and roster Monday.
FC Cincinnati are in discussions with Newcastle midfielder Kyle Scott, a source confirmed to MLSsoccer.com. Pete O'Rourke first reported the news over the weekend.
A source adds the discussions are around a preseason trial first before any contract is signed. Queen City Press' Laurel Pfahler reports that Newcastle are seeking a "large sell-on clause" in any deal.
FC Cincinnati are set to begin preseason on March 8, with players reporting on March 1 for a seven-day quarantine period, medical exams and testing prior to training kicking off.
Scott, 23, is a former US youth international. He spent the majority of his youth career in Chelsea's academy and made one appearance for the senior team, in a 2018 FA Cup match. He made 41 appearances with the Chelsea U-23s and spent a season on loan in the Netherlands with second-tier club Telstar. He made 14 appearances on loan, after which his contract was not renewed with Chelsea.
He signed with Newcastle in the summer of 2019 but has yet to make a matchday squad in any competition for the first team, making 17 appearances with the club's U-23 squad.
Cincinnati's offseason is well underway, with the club already trading for left back Ronald Matarrita and signing Brazilian youth international Brenner in one of the most expensive deals in league history. They have also been linked with former D.C. United midfielder Lucho Acosta.
