The explosive story behind Jay Turner-Cooke's move to Newcastle United from Sunderland

Turner-Cooke yesterday signed a professional deal at Newcastle United which will keep him at the club until 2023.

The 17-year-old tweeted: “Proud moment signing a professional contract at @NUFC. Hard work continues. Thank you to the players and staff at @SunderlandAFC for the last seven years, good luck for the future.”

Highy-rated Turner-Cooke – who has joined the club’s Academy – crossed the Tyne-Wear divide in the wake of former player and kitman John Cooke’s exit at the Stadium of Light last summer.

Cooke – who gave Sunderland 35 years of service – was let go without any public acknowledgement, and his son, an attacking midfielder, revealed his feelings about the club’s conduct in a strongly-worded tweet, which was later deleted, last month.

Turner-Cooke tweeted: “35 years at the club and no acknowledgement even though he was made redundant 2 months ago. COWARDS. No class, no loyalty, no respect. Hang your heads in shame Sunderland AFC. You know who you are.”

Sunderland investigated Turner-Cooke over the tweet, but decided to take no action.

Turner-Cooke – who was playing for the club’s Under-23s – asked to leave as a result of his father’s departure, and Newcastle confirmed his arrival in a short statement.

Meanwhile, head coach Steve Bruce is looking to strengthen his senior squad with one or more loan signings in this month’s transfer window. Bruce said: “We’ve got one or two things which might materialise. We’ll still keep working away.”