Newcastle United announce another departure to Scotland despite player often appearing on bench in Champions League

Newcastle United's Under 21s have at least been busy this January, albeit with outgoings.

While there has been no movement in the first team in either direction, despite calls from outside the club for fresh faces and new ideas, the Under 21s, who lost their gaffer earlier in the month when Adam Lawrence stepped down, have been very active in the market.

Unfortunately for Newcastle, their activity has focused on outgoing players, with today's announcement taking it to nine exits this month.

Ben Parkinson made a permanent transfer to Falkirk this month, and Cathal Heffernan moved to Harrogate Town on a permanent deal. On top of those permanent exits, there have been seven loan exits after today's news.

Max Thompson leaves Newcastle on loan despite being in Eddie Howe's Champions League squad this season

Goalkeeper Max Thompson has become the latest youngster to leave the club to find first-team experience as he joins Ayr United on loan until the end of the season.

Thompson has been used by Eddie Howe several times this season to flesh out the bench during Champions League nights.

Newcastle's lack of club-grown players has reduced the number of players they can register in Europe, which means Howe has had to turn to youngsters to fill his squad.

Max Thompson has followed Ben Parkinson and Charlie McArthur to Scotland

Thompson follows Parkinson and Charlie McArthur in heading north of the border, as the latter joined Airdrie.

Other youngsters who have gone out on loan this month are Harrison Ashby and Joe White, who both joined Bradford City. Antonio Cordero returned from KVC Westerlo and was sent out to Cadiz, and Tyler Jones, who joined non-league Dunston UTS.

At least someone in our transfer department is doing something this month, eh?