The Alnwick-born defender, who turned 20 last week, signed his first professional deal with the Magpies in the summer of 2018 but, having been an ever-present for United at under-23 level last season as well as playing for Steve Bruce's first team in pre-season, he has now committed his long-term future to his boyhood club.

Watts has played for England at under-19 level and is currently on loan with League Two side Stevenage. He has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season for The Boro.

He becomes the second promising prospect to sign a new contract with Newcastle United this week, after 17-year-old Joe White penned his first professional deal on Monday, while goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka agreed an extension last month which will keep him at St. James' Park for the next six years.