Centre half Watts has linked up with the Latics after featuring for the Magpies during pre-season, with his most recent appearance coming in United’s 3-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

He will now join Leam Richardson’s side for the rest of the campaign as he bids to gain more experience in a league in which he excelled last term.

Watts, 21, spent 2020/21 on loan at Plymouth Argyle, making a total of 50 appearances and scoring three times as he established himself at Home Park.

The youngster, who made his Premier League debut for Newcastle against Liverpool on the final day of the 2019/20 season, has also spent time out on loan at Stevenage and Mansfield Town in recent seasons.

Watts could be part of the Latics’ squad for their Carabao Cup tie at Hull City on Tuesday night - but failing that, is likely to be involved when Richardson’s side welcome Rotherham United to the DW Stadium for their first home game of the League One season on Saturday.