According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle may complete a deal for Garang Kuol in the January transfer window.

Australian outlet, The Age, claimed earlier this month that the Magpies were among the frontrunners to land Kuol at the turn of the year, while Chelsea and Barcelona are also in contention.

And report from BeIN Sports Australia (via The Sun) has since stated that the Kuol had agreed to a £25k-per-week contract with the Toon.

The source suggests that the 18-year-old would stay with his current club, Central Coast Mariners, until the winter, before being sent on loan upon his arrival on Tyneside.

It is thought that the northeast club will pay a minimal fee, although add-ons and a sell-on clause will see the Mariners receive further financial gain.

Amid the reports, Downie has told GIVEMESPORT that recruiting younger talent and developing them is part of Newcastle’s strategy under new Saudi-backed owners, PIF.

He said: “As well as the top talent Newcastle are looking at, bringing in guys like (Alexander) Isak and (Sven) Botman, they want to bring in young guys like this who they can develop as well and turn into top players.

“So, he would be a perfect example of the sort of player they’re looking to bring to the club, and I think if he does get the required points for his work permit for his visa in the next few weeks, I can see that being a deal Newcastle do in January.”

Kuol was born in Sudan before he and his family fled to Egypt and eventually to Australia as refugees.

Despite making just nine senior appearances, Mariners coach Nick Montgomery has labelled him a ‘special talent’.

The youngster scored four times and provided one assist in the A-League and earned a shock call–up to the Australia national side, which culminated in a debut that made him the youngest player to appear for the Socceroos since Harry Kewell, after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 win over New Zealand.

National team manager Graham Arnold said “he’s showed great quality and great talent” and it could certainly be an exciting addition for the Magpies if they manage to bring in a rising talent alongside some of Europe’s elite.