Newcastle United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Brighton and Hove Albion forward, Leandro Trossard, ahead of the January transfer window.

What's the word?

According to The Chronicle, the Magpies are monitoring the 27-year-old in action for Belgium at the World Cup in Qatar, with the playmaker seemingly a potential target for Eddie Howe's side in the winter.

As per the report, the 23-cap menace was one of Dan Ashworth's first signings during his time at the Amex, with the Tynesiders' sporting director seemingly seeking a reunion with the former Genk man at St James' Park.

The dynamic attacker is facing an uncertain future with the Seagulls with his existing deal set to expire in 2023, with the player himself having teased a potential exit in the New Year, amid talk of a move to the northeast, as well as interest from former boss Graham Potter at Chelsea.

'Unreal' signing

While things are not going swimmingly for Trossard on international duty - having featured twice off the bench for the Red Devils in the tournament thus far - the £42.5k-per-week sensation has been in truly scintillating form at club level in recent months, having warranted such intense interest in his signature.

The 5 foot 7 speedster has been simply "unreal" - in the words of pundit Rio Ferdinand - on the south coast so far this term, having helped to drag Roberto De Zerbi's side into European contention after netting seven times and laying on three assists in 14 Premier League games.

That haul of goal contributions is greater than any player in Howe's squad has achieved this season, while it also ensures that the winger now boasts a haul of 25 goals and 14 assists in 118 assists for his current side.

That follows his previous stint in his homeland where he notably bagged 60 goal involvements in 120 games for former club Genk, with that form sparking his £15m switch to England in the summer of 2019.

With Newcastle believed to be eyeing a new addition on the flanks in January, Trossard could seemingly be an ideal fit as a result of his recent sparkling form and invaluable Premier League experience, as well as offering the benefit of a potential cut-price deal due to his expiring contract.

Dubbed a "great, great player" by his manager after netting a stunning hat-trick away to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, the Belgian could well be that added boost that the Magpies are in need of in their bid to maintain their current momentum in the second half of the season.