The England under-19 international has had loan spells with Stevenage and Mansfield Town this term, meaning that ordinarily he would not be able to play for the Magpies as he has already played for two clubs this term.

However, FIFA relaxed those rules following the Covid-19 outbreak, meaning clubs could apply for dispensation to field a player in Watts' situation in exceptional circumstances.

And with defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark (ankle), Fabian Schär (shoulder), Florian Lejeune (thigh) and Paul Dummett (foot) all ruled out for the game at the Amex Stadium - and indeed the rest of the season - the Premier League board have granted United permission to include Academy product Watts in the squad.

The Alnwick-born centre-back has yet to make his Magpies bow and has been given the squad number 49.