Newcastle United have reportedly offered Garang Kuol a contract ahead of a proposed move to St James’ Park.
Australian outlet The Age claimed last week that the Magpies were among the frontrunners to land the teenager at the turn of the year, while Chelsea and Barcelona are also in contention.
The same source suggests that Australia manager Graham Arnold is keeping a close eye on the young talent, who turns 18 today, with a chance of handing the Central Coast Mariners forward a place in the World Cup squad later this year.
Kuol has quickly gained some glowing plaudits, having scored four goals and provided one assist in nine A-League appearances, with the Socceroos coach quoted as saying that the youngster “showed great quality and great talent”.
According to beIN Sports (via Chronicle Live), the Magpies have held talks with the 18-year-old and offered him a contract worth £25k-per-week, with the youngster set to remain in his homeland until January.
The report added that Newcastle have declined to comment on the speculation but stressed that it is ‘well known’ that Dan Ashworth is aiming to increase the level of quality within the club’s academy.
Playing the long game
Kuol has been hailed as a ‘talented’ individual by Mariners club chairman Richard Peil, and while the youngster – who has made just nine senior appearances – would likely take a couple of years to make into the first-team squad at Newcastle, it would be encouraging for supporters to see PIF investing in a highly sought-after talent and beating some of Europe’s biggest clubs to his signature.
If they do, it’s also satisfying to hear that the youngster will continue his development in Australia for the time being, while snapping him up before a potential breakthrough World Cup showing could be a most astute move.
