The January transfer window will be an interesting time for a number of our youngsters and academy stars, with loan moves looking likely for many of them.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Sean Neave, Leo Shahar Alfie Harrison and Alex Murphy were players we wanted to get first-team minutes elsewhere over the second half of 2025/26.

And now, another young striker is being linked with a move away from the club after a frustrating few years on Tyneside.

Striker set for Falkirk

According to The Mail, Ben Parkinson could be on his way north of the border, as the striker is in talks to join Scottish Premiership side Falkirk this window.

Having signed his first professional contract with us back in 2023, Parkinson has previously appeared for us in the Premier League, but first team opportunities have been hard to come by ever since.

The report notes that Parkinson was set to go out on loan last year, only for a move to break down due to an injury.

It’s not made clear if the move would be a permanent move or a loan until the end of the 2025/26 season, so time will tell on that front.

The 20-year-old has caught the attention of Falkirk manager John McGlynn, who seems willing to give Parkinson the opportunity in the top flight: still seven points off 5th place Hibernian, it will be a big task ahead for Parkinson should he join Falkirk.

Loan moves under reivew?

The last few weeks of loan activity would give a strong impression that we’re seriously re-evaluating our current loan policies now Ross Wilson is sporting director.

Antonio Cordero saw his nightmare spell at Belgian side KV Westerlo ended prematurely, and he was instead given a more comfortable opportunity in his native Spain at second division side Cadiz.

But with how highly the likes of Sean Neave and Leo Shahar are rated, it’s vital that we find the right moves for both should the Under-21 duo also depart this month.