The 20-year-old, who made his first-team debut for the Magpies in their Premier League Asia Trophy clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers in July, has linked up with Graham Coughlan's side and will remain at Field Mill for the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign.

Watts - an England under-19 international - spent the first half of the season on loan at Stevenage, making 20 appearances in all competitions, before returning to United after suffering a knee injury in the Boro's Emirates FA Cup tie against Peterborough United in November.

The former Ponteland High School pupil, who can play in midfield as well as defence, was then recalled from his spell at the Lamex Stadium and was named on the bench for United's Premier League trip to Wolves.

Watts could be line to make his Mansfield debut tonight as the Stags travel to Oldham Athletic (kick-off 7.45pm GMT).