Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to still be monitoring Ajax sensation, Mohammed Kudus, having previously been linked with the Ghanaian during the summer.

What's the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have been named as one of the 22-year-old's 'admirers' ahead of the January transfer window, with the report suggesting that the forward could potentially 'force a move' away from Amsterdam next month following the club's Champions League elimination.

Reports in the player's homeland back in August had suggested that the youngster was a target for the northeast side, having also been linked with the dynamic gem back in 2020 during his stint at Danish outfit, FC Nordsjaelland.

Should the Tynesiders step up their interest in what appears to be a long-term target in the New Year it certainly won't come cheap, with The Sun recently stating that the Eredivisie giants will demand a fee of around £40m if they are to sanction a sale.

'Superstar'

The fleet-footed ace - who has also been tipped for a reunion with former boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United - would certainly add a real sprinkling of quality to Newcastle's ranks were Ashworth able to tie up a deal, with the playmaker having dazzled in Holland in recent times.

The Accra-born "star boy" - as lauded by one source - already has ten goals and two assists to his name in just 21 games in all competitions this term, having proven particularly impressive during the club's European campaign.

That group stage run saw the 5 foot 9 gem score four goals and register two assists in just six outings, memorably lashing home a stunning effort in the opening game win over Rangers at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

That moment of quality illustrated the emerging asset's lethal finishing prowess and breathtaking running power, having since also showcased such talent on the World Cup stage after scoring twice in the 3-2 win over South Korea in Qatar.

That clinical double saw the versatile ace - who can feature in the forward line or in a midfield role - take his total tally for his national side to seven goals in just 21 games, having proven himself a real "superstar" for both club and country of late, according to journalist Thierry Nyann.

Managing to secure such a highly-coveted figure would represent a real coup for both Ashworth and manager Eddie Howe, with St James' Park seemingly awaiting the arrival of its next 'superstar' addition.