Newcastle United's decision to change the structure of their Academy set-up and improve the route to the first team is making inroads behind-the-scenes.
The Magpies took the decision to make changes in the youth set up last year and outsiders have noted a change - with the introduction of Elliot Anderson, at 18, to first team training seen as proof that there's a new feeling around the Academy.
It's understood that Steve Harper's role has been viewed by many who felt the pathway to the first team was blocked as a hugely positive one.
Harper is a first team coach but has responsibility for acting as a "conduit" between first team and the Academy set-up after the club felt there wasn't enough youngsters coming through. Over many years Mike Ashley has questioned why the club hasn't been able to call up more players from the under-age groups.
Harper's attention to detail has been noted by one source spoken to by the Notebook and it's understood that at least one promising star who was set to leave because they felt the under-23s were sidelined has decided to stay.
Chris Hogg's arrival from Ipswich has also been praised by sources - while Ben Dawson is held in such high regard that he stepped into the first team dug out while Steve Agnew was absent.
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The would-be buyers of Newcastle United continue to work on possible plans for the club in the event that the takeover logjam can be cracked in time for the January transfer window.
The takeover is now firmly in the litigation phase, after the initial attempt to buy the club failed and was followed by a concerted bout of political pressure that did not warrant the hoped-for response.
Mike Ashley's lawyers are now arguing with the Premier League's lawyers over the possibiity of arbitration - but no date has yet been set, as was revealed in Newcastle's incendiary statement.
There is still a feeling within the buyers camp that this pressure will yield a result and there is a determination not to be caught on the hop if there is sudden movement.
January would be an optimistic view but discussions with agents who were spoken to in the summer have been revisited. There was a huge deal of enthusiasm from players, representatives and figures in the football world about a moneyed Newcastle - both for what the club could do and the inflationary impact it would have on deals.
The unanimous feeling on Tyneside would be that this outcome would be a welcome end to a very difficult 2020.
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There was bemusement from both Newcastle and the representatives of Raphael Holzhauser, the Austrian midfielder, after he was linked with a January move.
Jeunes Footeaux linked the 27-year-old with a winter transfer as he continues to impress in the Belgian top-flight. Holzhauer has hit 10 goals in 13 games so far this season creating another eight for his teammates. But talk of a move to Newcastle is way off the mark with it being understood that the club holds no interest in the player nicknamed the 'Messi of the Alps', and his representatives being equally taken back by the suggestion of a transfer next month.
It's thought there is interest in Germany and Belgium - Hertha Berlin are said to be strong contenders - and with a £3m release clause, a move to away from Beerschot seems imminent but not to St James' Park. (AM)
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It's thought there is interest in Germany and Belgium - Hertha Berlin are said to be strong contenders - and with a £3m release clause, a move to away from Beerschot seems imminent but not to St James' Park.
As it stands United are likely to explore loans again in January, with the European market one to exploit again to add to the squad.
Bruce is looking for forward cover, a midfielder and possible cover at wing-back and has all of his loan slots free. A domestic loan is another possibility.
Newcastle's scouting team have drawn up targets reaching the end of their current contracts and after bringing in Ryan Fraser and Jeff Hendrick last term could well revisit that market in the coming months.
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The Magpies could make a call on Hebburn forward Cedwyn Scott's future next week after his month-long trial at Newcastle.
The striker has trained and played for the under-23s as part of their plan to cast the net far and wide for players who have come into the game through unorthodox routes.
With Ludwig Francilette and Florent Indalecio both arriving from part-time backgrounds, Scott's month trial was another innovative move.
It's a big step up for them but Scott, seen as a work-in-progress, certainly knows where the net is after scoring freely for Hebburn. Sunderland were also looking at the forward.
