Newcastle watch Dion Drena Beljo after Dinamo Zagreb star sinks Sunderland
Newcastle United are continuing to monitor Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Drena Beljo, with club scouts reportedly watching the Croatian international in action against Sunderland on Thursday night.
Beljo scored in Dinamo’s 2-0 Europa League victory at the Stadium of Light, adding to an impressive goalscoring record this season. With Newcastle still looking to strengthen their attacking options, the 22-year-old is one to keep an eye on ahead of January.
Newcastle scouts watch Beljo against Sunderland
According to reports in Croatia via Sportske Novosti, Newcastle officials were present on Wearside to watch Beljo, who played 70 minutes and scored Dinamo’s second goal in the 39th minute.
It is not the first time our recruitment team have watched the forward, with scouts reportedly having followed him on several occasions in Croatia this season, including Dinamo’s 1-0 victory over Anderlecht.
Beljo has been in outstanding form, registering 18 goals and six assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season. He has also scored four times in the Europa League, having found the net against NEC Nijmegen and Anderlecht.
Those numbers follow an equally impressive previous campaign, when he recorded 38 goals and six assists.
Potential January price revealed
Beljo signed a long-term contract with Dinamo Zagreb until 2030, meaning the Croatian club are in a strong negotiating position.
His market valuation is reportedly around €15m, but Dinamo are said to be looking for between €20m and €30m (£17m–£25m) to consider selling in the January transfer window, with add-ons potentially increasing the overall package.
Newcastle are not alone in monitoring the striker, with several Premier League clubs also believed to be keeping tabs on his progress.
There will be another opportunity to assess him in person next week, with Croatia due to face England at Wembley on November 12.
Whether our interest develops into a formal approach remains to be seen, but it is encouraging to see the recruitment team continuing to assess attacking options. We desperately need more goals and, if Beljo can maintain this remarkable form, he could be an interesting name to watch ahead of January.
