Newcastle hoping to beat Chelsea and Barcelona to A-League wonderkid - Report
Newcastle United are showing serious interest in A-League wonderkid Garang Kuol, according to reports in Australia.
This comes from the Sydney Morning Herland, who claim that Newcastle are "close to the front of the queue" for the 17-year-old striker who's also receiving interest from Chelsea and Barcelona.
Kuol has bagged four goals and an assist in eight A-League appearances for Central Coast Mariners and recently impressed during a pre-season friendly against Barcelona.
The Australian would not receive an automatic UK work permit should he move to England - meaning he'd need to be loaned out initially should we make a move - and FIFA rules dictate that he can't leave until he turns 18, which explains why he had to stay put over the summer.
After we bolstered our Academy ranks with summer moves for Alex Murphy, Charlie McCarthur, Jordan Hackett and Jude Smith, Kuol could be another one to watch if the rumours in Australia are true.
Here's what the player himself had to say recently when asked about the interest he's been receiving from several sides in Europe:
“I’m chilling, to be honest. I’m just focusing on training and that. There’s really no effect.
"Nothing confirms anything, in terms of how I’ll go at any of those places, if I do go.
"It’s an important [decision] because it’s my stepping stone to life in Europe. I can’t go anywhere until January, so it gives me time to make a decision.”
