Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to push through with a deal for Central Coast Mariners youngster Garang Kuol.
Since their takeover almost a year ago, the Magpies have focused on signing players who are ready made for Eddie Howe's first-team squad.
That has resulted in excess of £200m being spent on new arrivals, ensuring that the club are now established in mid-table of the Premier League rather than focusing on survival.
However, Public Investment Fund, the club's Saudi Arabian owners, are also keen to significantly improve the club when it comes to youth players.
Although Elliot Anderson was recently promoted to the senior ranks, there are a lack of prospects behind the 19-year-old Scot, and it appears that Newcastle are ready to invest in youngsters from elsewhere.
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According to Sky Sports News journalist Keith Downie, the North East outfit are closing in on a deal for Kuol.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a stunning start to his A-League career in 2021-22, contributing four goals from his 189 minutes of action.
In his first seven appearances, none of which lasted longer than 31 minutes, Kuol chipped in with a strike or assist in five of those outings.
Despite his lack of experience, Kuol was called up for Australia's most recent international friendlies ahead of the World Cup, making his debut in the second of those games versus New Zealand.
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With the prospect of Guol featuring on the global stage in Qatar, Newcastle are now seemingly keen to wrap up the transfer of Kuol before that tournament.
The report suggests that the English outfit anticipate issues with obtaining a work permit and need to explore ways to overcome that potential problem.
Kuol may be sent out on loan to another European side while he acquires enough points to meet the criteria which has been in effect since Brexit.
The player is capable of playing in each position in the final third, his versatility having the potential to benefit Newcastle in the future.
Darren Plant
