Newcastle United have reportedly targeted Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz.
With the Magpies said to be gearing up for a headline-catching transfer window in January, following the takeover of the club by the wealthy Saudi Public Investment Fund, they have been linked with a whole host of potential new stars.
According to German outlet SportBild, they have now identified German prospect Florian Wirtz as a key target to bring to the club and view him as a future star.
The 18-year-old has caught eyes with his performances so far this season, netting four goals and providing six assists in just eight Bundesliga appearances, drawing in rumoured interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool as a result.
With Newcastle now ranking as one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, and the new ownership keen to avoid a relegation battle this season, the Magpies are now expected to be a major competitor in the battle for the German's signature, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly valuing the teenager at around €100m (£84.6m).
Despite his tender age of 18 years old, Wirtz has already made 59 first-team appearances for Die Werkself, contributing 15 goals and 14 assists in that time, while he has also earned four caps for the senior German national team.
Sam Varley
