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The word on the grapevine is that Rolando Aarons wants to commit to Newcastle United.

The United winger’s breakthrough season was a major complication in contract negotiations last season. His representatives wanted the sort of deal normally given to an established first-teamer – Newcastle wanted to make it heavily incentive-based. It turned into a game of poker, and neither has yet declared their hand.

Newcastle fear that giving young players too much, too soon sometimes dulls their appetite. The risk is that could allow him to leave for next to nothing when his contract expires – and Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have all maintained a watching brief.

Now Aarons – desperate to make an impact under Steve McClaren – is ready to go back to the negotiating table; United are prepared to talk, I understand. Progress may be swift and that will be good news – if he fulfils his potential, a senior England cap is only a matter of time.