Macclesfield defender Elliott Hewitt could receive an 18th birthday present of a move into the Championship with Town later this week. The Wales U21 international turns 18 on Wednesday with the Blues and Silkmen understood to have agreed an undisclosed fee for the right-back.

Although none of the parties involved have yet confirmed the story which broke over the weekend, Hewitt has hinted on Twitter that he may have more to celebrate than he had been anticipating: “Wonder what I'll get for my 18th, will it be better than expected?”

We understand the Blues, who are believed to have begun talks with the Bodelwyddan-born full-back over the weekend, made regular trips to Moss Rose to monitor Hewitt’s progress until he picked up a hip injury which required surgery and ended his season in March.

Up to then Hewitt had made 19 starts and five sub appearances during 2011/12, having become Macclesfield’s youngest-ever player at 16 years and 342 days on the final day of the previous campaign.

Capped five times by Wales at U21 level in addition to three games for their U17s, Hewitt has previously been linked with Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, TWTD understands the Blues are also showing interest in French-Guinean midfielder Cheick Kourouma. The 19-year-old played in Italy with Genoa CFC Primavera, Genoa’s U20 team, last season, having previously been in Spain with the Real Zaragoza youth set-up and before that French club Sochaux.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Surco72 added 10:44 - May 28 Newboy perhaps he could talk to Cresswell,Jet,Smith,Hyam etc young players good enough to get in the first team
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brian_a_mul added 11:09 - May 28 First team at Football League level is great experience for a young defender. Leagues 1 & 2 are tough physical leagues particularly with some many games and hardened no nonsence players to play against. If he can hold his own at 16/17 he must be hardy enough. I like to think Tommy Smith learned alot of lessons while on loan last season. Would be delighted if we got this lad, agree he wouldnt be straight in to first team (baring injury). May even give Wight a push to improve.

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Surco72 added 11:12 - May 28 On the Kourouma situation why has a 19 year old already played at 3 clubs in 3 different countries ?
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RegencyBlue added 11:16 - May 28 Get the deal done Clegg!
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Seasonticketsteve added 11:17 - May 28 Genuinely excited by this signing, its just nice to be linked with young, exciting talent again rather than old, washed up has beens or Sunderland players! On a side note, it is a shame we didnt push the boat out on Crewe's Powell in January, looks like he is destined for big things.
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buryblue77 added 11:23 - May 28 RegencyBlue, that's my main concern. For what reason Clegg can't seem to complete deals we don't know. What we do know is that Shaun Derry wanted to come to us but couldn't complete the deal with Clegg and Keane said had he met SC before he took the job he would have probably declined it. (shame he didn't meet SC first) Now it could simply come down to players asking well over the odds for wages we simply wont/can't pay, or there could be something else. That part we will never know, however my opinion is due to the fact we have an owner who doesn't know football (at least as a business) we really need a CEO with experience, I'm afraid I haven't got any faith in the bloke.

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DanLyles added 12:01 - May 28 @Bangor31, yes New Zealand were the only unbeaten team at 2010 World Cup, drew all 3 games (Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia) condeding just 2 goals (best at the tournament). I think they played wing backs with Winston Reid of West Ham joing Smith and Nelsen
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jas0999 added 14:17 - May 28 Would be a positive signing - but likely to be one for the future. Not a bad thing as we should be building a team for future seasons, not just next year. I am sure we are an attractive proposition for an 18 year old who plays for a team relegated to the Conference. Whether we can compete and attract younger players from a similar level to us is still questionable. Cresswell was a good signing - but since then have not really 'attracted' decent younger players - regardless of what some on here choose to believe. In fact, we have lost out on a lot - who have decided to join other Championship clubs. That's fact I'm afraid - whether some like it or not.

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