The 24-year-old centre-back joined the Magpies' Academy as an eight-year-old and, after progressing through United's youth ranks, was awarded his first professional deal with his boyhood club in the summer of 2018.

Born in Alnwick, Watts carried out loan spells at Stevenage and Mansfield Town during the 2019-20 season, keeping a clean sheet on his professional debut for the former, and after returning from his loan spell with the Stags following the Coronavirus outbreak, made his Premier League bow for Newcastle on the final day of the 2019-20 season against Liverpool at St. James' Park.

Capped by England at under-19 level, Watts spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Plymouth Argyle before winning the 2021-22 League One title with Wigan Athletic and, following a brief stint with Peterborough United in 2022-23, returned to the DW Stadium for a second loan spell with the Latics last term.

Following the expiration of his contract with the Magpies, Watts will link up with Garry Monk's side on Monday, 1st July after agreeing a two-year deal with the U's.

Everyone at Newcastle Untied would like to wish Kell the very best of luck for the future.