Aussie teen star Garang Kuol is “close to finalising a deal” with Premier League side Newcastle, reports Sky Sports UK’s Keith Downie.
The 18-year-old became the youngest player to debut for the Socceroos since Harry Kewell when he ran out against New Zealand on the weekend.
Now in the World Cup mix, Kuol is reportedly close to a move from his current club – the A-League’s Central Coast Mariners – to the Saudi-backed English squad, over Germany’s Borussia Dortmund.
Watch the world’s best footballers every week with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. LIVE coverage from Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Carabao Cup, EFL & SPFL. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
“Newcastle are close to finalising a deal to sign Garang Kuol from @CCMariners,” Downie tweeted on Tuesday.
“The forward made his Australia debut last week, aged 18.
“#NUFC are exploring ways of overcoming any work permit issues – including a potential loan to a European club if they can get a deal done.
“Newcastle are making it a priority to scout the global transfer market to try & sign some of the best young players in the world.
“Rookie Kuol has a chance of going to the World Cup in Qatar.
“Borussia Dortmund have also shown interest but #NUFC are close.”
Kuol impressed in a blistering 18-minute spell against the All Whites on Sunday.
SOCCEROOS TALKING POINTS: Bold call sums up Socceroos coach perfectly; starlet delivers ‘what we’re craving’
“That’s what we were craving from the first whistle, that run down the line, the attacking, explosive speed, having shots at goal, putting crosses in,” Ten pundit Bruce Djite said.
“He (Kuol) did that in the short space of time that he had. Could he be the bolter for the World Cup? Does Arnie make this decision off the few minutes he got today?”
Alex Brosque added: “We knew he’s got that in him, but we haven’t seen much of him in the A-League – only eight or nine appearances, most of them off the bench.
“But we know that he’s unfazed by occasions – we saw it in the All Stars match against Barcelona, playing against some of the biggest players in the world. It didn’t seem to matter to him.”
“As far as what Brucie said – being a bolter – he’s someone who can come off the bench and do something, create something out of nothing, bring that excitement and energy.”
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold was full of praise for Kuol, but would not be drawn on whether he would earn a call-up for Qatar.
“He’s a kid, he’s just turned 18. I told just to go out and enjoy himself,” Arnold said. “I just wanted to give him the experience.
“He showed some quality when he came on, but this is just the first step for him.”
