Newcastle United are believed to be closing in on the signing of Central Coast Mariners sensation, Garang Kuol, according to the latest reports.

What's the word?

As per journalist Chris Waugh, the Magpies are reportedly negotiating a deal for the promising 18-year-old, as he revealed on Twitter:

"#NUFC are in advanced talks to sign Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners, as per reports. The forward has just turned 18 & is seen as Australia's brightest prospect. Still raw but very talented. Likely a development signing to begin with, if concluded."

In his attached piece for The Athletic, the club insider reports that the Tynesiders could well win the race for the forward's signature ahead of 'several top European sides', albeit with the deal not set to become official until the January window opens should it go through.

The report goes on to add that the promising starlet may not automatically be handed a work permit were a deal to be agreed, with the St James' Park outfit considering whether to loan him out to a European club.

Great future

While it would appear that such a move is with one eye on the future - with the youngster likely to initially join Newcastle's U21 squad - it could well prove to be something of a masterstroke were the northeast side able to strike a deal, with the teenager having already showcased his talent in his embryonic senior career thus far.

Lauded as "Australia's biggest prospect" - as per Waugh - the Egypt-born menace has already made an impact for his current club despite his youth, scoring four goals in just eight games after breaking into the side towards the tail end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Having been tipped to have a "great future" by Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, the 5 foot 9 marksman has only recently been handed a senior call-up to the Australia squad for the Socceroos' upcoming, pre-World Cup friendlies.

That inclusion is a marker of just how well-regarded Kuol is despite his impact having been relatively fleeting to date, with Mariners coach Nick Montgomery having only recently labelled him a "special talent" as a result of his explosive form.

All the signs appear to point to a player who is only set to continue his rapid rise over the coming years, with there no doubt a chance that the teenager could well go on to play a part in Qatar this summer.

As such, it would no doubt represent smart business for Eddie Howe and co to get a deal done prior to his potential World Cup involvement, with rival interest only set to rise if the £90k-rated prospect does go on to sparkle on the global stage.