The defender's 12-month contract with Milan is about to expire, and while Serie A teams like Verona were interested, Heffernan's successful trial at Newcastle last week has altered the situation.

The 19-year-old will join fellow Galway native Alex Murphy in the club's U23 team upon completion of his move to St James Park, barring any hiccups in the following 48 hours. Additionally, the Magpies are in advanced talks to recruit Kevin Zefi of Inter Milan, another Milan-based tyro.

Prior to Milan exercising their option to sign him to a permanent contract in June of last year, Heffernan first joined Milan from Cork City in February 2022 on a loan deal.

As part of the loan agreement, City got a five-figure payment, and the seven-time European champions would have to pay an additional five-figure sum if they wanted to make the transfer permanent.

Profitable sell-on provisions were also incorporated, but because Newcastle's investment will be little, the Rebel Army would not experience the large profit they had originally anticipated.