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Chris Knight

Who is Jeremy Doku? The Belgian wonderkid linked with Newcastle United summer transfer

Newcastle United are understood to be weighing up a summer move for Belgian wonderkid Jeremy Doku.

The Magpies were the biggest spenders in Europe in January, and are expected to invest heavily once again ahead of the new season.

Much will likely depend on whether Eddie Howe's side retain their Premier League status, although three straight wins have seen United move four points clear of the relegation zone.

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But who is Doku, and what could he bring to St James' Park? Here is everything you need to know about the Newcastle United transfer target.

What has been said?

Doku has been on the Magpies' radar for some time, and is now being monitored by head of recruitment Steve Nickson and his scouting team.

Howe will be hoping to strengthen in every position across the pitch, and another forward was on the cards in January, only for deadline-day deals for Hugo Ekitike and Jesse Lingard to fall through.

However, Liverpool are known to be long-term admirers of Doku, and the player himself has admitted he is keen to become 'one of the best players in the world' with 'one of the biggest clubs' in the Premier League.

What position does he play?

Doku has predominantly been used as a right winger, but can also play on the left flank.

How old is Doku?

Doku was born on May 27, 2002, and is 19-years-old.

Who has he played for so far?

Doku signed with Anderlecht when he was 10-years-old, and rose through the ranks to make his senior debut with the club in November 2018.

Liverpool had struck an agreement with the Belgian club to sign the winger at the age of 16, with the Guardian reporting a video message from Romelu Lukaku helped convince him to continue his development with Anderlecht.

Doku made his international debut as a late substitute in the win in Denmark on September 5, 2020, and scored his first goal for his country three days later against Iceland. Roberto Martinez also handed the attacker two starts during the Red Devils' Euro 2020 campaign.

The following month, Ligue 1 outfit Rennes signed the teenager in a deal worth in excess of £21m with bonuses, using the lure of regular first-team football to deny Liverpool once again.

What are his strengths?

Doku stands at 5ft 7ins, and uses his explosive speed and balance to beat opponents, and is considered one of the best young dribblers on the continent.

Reports suggest the winger can reach a top speed of 35km/h, and this coupled with his acceleration allows him to fashion opportunities for himself and his team-mates in the final third.

What are his weaknesses?

Doku's recent injury record would likely be a concern for Howe, with knee and hamstring injuries so far limiting the teenager to just 12 appearances so far this season.

Given his capacity to beat defenders, the winger has also been called upon to improve his decision making in the final third. Doku has registered four goals and five assists in 49 appearances to date at Rennes.

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