Newcastle United have been heavily linked with signing teenage sensation Garang Kuol from A-League giants Central Coast Mariners.
The young centre-forward turns 18 on Thursday and is set to sign a four-year deal with the Mariners according to reports in Australia despite only signing his first professional contract in June. This is clearly a sign that the Mariners are determined to either keep hold of their most prized asset or increase his price tag as Europe's biggest clubs battle for his signature.
Newcastle are not alone in their interest, with FC Barcelona and Chelsea among others also keeping an eye on his progress. As it stands, Garang Kuol does not qualify to get a work permit but after being called up by Australia he would be issued the required paperwork should he feature for the Socceroos in a double-header against New Zealand this month.
