PREMIER LEAGUE giants Manchester United and Newcastle United are monitoring Newport County AFC teenager Aaron Collins, according to reports.

The Exiles turned down several approaches from Championship club Burnley before the summer transfer window closed.

And his impressive start to the season has alerted bigger clubs, with the Newcastle Chronicle reporting that five teams are now interested in signing the 18-year-old front man.

The Magpies have focused heavily on signing players from Holland, France and Belgium in recent seasons but the arrival of Ivan Toney from Northampton is evidence that they are prepared to scour the Football League for young talent too.

The Chronicle understands that Newcastle had Collins watched during County’s 1-0 win at Carlisle United at the weekend.

And Manchester United, who signed Collins’ Exiles teammate Regan Poole on transfer deadline day last month, are also said to be keeping a close eye on Collins.

County boss Terry Butcher told the Argus last month: “Aaron is a key player; he’s made a very good start to his career.

“The offer came in from Burnley but it didn’t match our valuation.

“He came to see me and I think his head was a bit fuzzy because of all the interest but we told him that we value him very highly and the offers from Burnley didn’t match the valuation that we’ve put on him.

“But his opportunity will come and it’s great for the younger boys coming through because it shows them the opportunities are there.

“I said to Aaron Collins ‘don’t jump on the first bus that comes along because maybe a better one will follow’.

“It certainly has for Regan and it’s great for him and great for the club.

“It shows we’re doing something right and that the players are as well.”

Collins and Poole have both been called up to the Wales under-19s squad, while County’s Liam Angel is named in the Wales under-17s squad.

Both squads will hold individual training camps at Dragon Park, Newport later this month.

The under-19s team will use the matches as preparation for the UEFA Under 19 Championship qualifying round that will be played in mid-November. Wales’ opponents will be top seeds Austria, Georgia (who host the mini-tournament) and Albania.

The under-17 training camp will prepare the players for the UEFA Under 17 Championship qualifying round at the end of month, which will be hosted in Wales.

The Netherlands, Switzerland and Albania will make up Group 1. The matches will be played at Dragon Park and Newport Stadium.