Allardyce may let defender go on loan

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce admits Ben Tozer may be going out on loan to a Coca-Cola Championship club in January once his move from Swindon to the north-east is complete.

The 17-year-old defender is close to completing a move to St James’ Park, with the deal expected to be going through in the next couple of days.

The deal could ultimately be worth around £1m to Swindon but Allardyce believes the player would benefit from a loan spell in the second tier of English football.

“He is only 17 and he is obviously one for the future,” Allardyce told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

“And yes, there is a possibility Ben will be allowed to go out on loan.

“But first we want him to stay here for two or three weeks so that we can look at him and he can look at us.”

Meanwhile, Allardyce has dismissed reports linking the Magpies with Ipswich striker Jonathan Walters.

The United boss said: “I had Jonathan with me at Bolton Wanderers and I am delighted that he is doing so well with Ipswich, but he is not someone I am looking to bring here.”