Newcastle in talks to sign £17m Croatian after meeting with representatives late last year

Newcastle United are in talks to bring RB Salzburg's Luka Sucic to St James' Park.

Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog, Jacque Talbot – a correspondent at Football Transfers – has told us that the club met with the player's representatives late last year and are now "actively pursuing a deal."

Sucic is a 19-year-old central midfielder who bagged an impressive 11 goals and five assists in the Austrian top flight last season.

Talbot also reveals that he could be available for around £17m (€20m) this summer and is the sort of exciting young talent the club are keen to attract this summer.

He's a Croatian international and helped change the game after coming on in his country's 1-1 draw with France in the UEFA Nations League last night.

Here's what Talbot told us about Newcastle's interest in the midfielder, whose drawn comparisons to fellow countryman Luka Modric:

"The club have met with reps of Nico Schlotterbeck's over a move for RB Salzburg's Luka Sučić.

"He's a towering Croatian international midfielder who fits the type of player Newcastle are looking for.

"They want a young player to come in and start pushing for places next season.

"He's 19-year-old and could be available for around £17m.

"It's been said he plays a bit like Modric! That really would be something.

"Newcastle were speaking to his representatives late last year and are now actively pursuing a deal, but it remains to be seen whether they get it done, as Salzburg just sold their best striking asset for good money."