Newcastle United striker agrees two-year contract as exit confirmed

Dylan Stephenson will join National League side Dagenham & Redbridge when his contract at Newcastle United expires later this month.

Newcastle confirmed their academy retained list on May 30 with Stephenson among 13 youngsters let go. The forward - who joined the Magpies aged 14 - made his non-competitive senior debut against Atalanta at St James’ Park in July 2022 before scoring in the 5-0 win over Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal a few months later.

Not long after arriving back from the Middle East, Stephenson joined Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical on loan. He netted the winner on his debut at Patrick Thistle but that proved to be his only goal. However, his half-season loan at National League North club South Shields last campaign was much more productive after netting eight times.

Mariners boss Elliot Dickman - Stephenson’s former under-21s coach at Newcastle - had expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old on a permanent basis, however he has opted to sign a two-year contract with Dagenham in the league above.

“I’m delighted to get the deal over the line,” said Stephenson. “I’m excited for the season. I’m a hard-working player and you’ll definitely get to know that. That’s my biggest trait I’d day, and I’ll hopefully get a few goals as well.”

A number of players released by Newcastle remain on the lookout for a new club, including Amadou Diallo and Michael Ndiweni - both of whom made their Premier League debuts against Chelsea last November.

Will Brown, Jude Smith, Jordan Hackett, Matthew Bondswell, Lucas De Bolle, Kyle Crossley Shaun Mavididi and Rodrigo Vilca have also been let go, as have under-18s pair Taylor Ross and Carter Milmore.