An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's interest in Alan Virginius in the summer transfer window... 

What's the talk?

Ligue 1 reporter Alexis Bernard has revealed that the Magpies are keen on a deal to sign the talented young attacker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Le10 Sport journalist tweeted: "EXCLU @le10sport : Newcastle is very interesting in Alan Virginius (Sochaux, 19 years, striker) Bayer Leverkusen, Bruges and Anderlecht are also there."

This comes after the news that the Tyneside club are set to abandon their pursuit of another French forward, as Fabrizio Romano recently tweeted: "Hugo Ekitike deal. No changes for Newcastle, no intention to proceed at current conditions on player side after fee agreed weeks ago. Deal off, as things stand."

Allan Saint-Maximin 2.0

By securing a deal for Virginius, Dan Ashworth could land Eddie Howe the next Allan Saint-Maximin at St James' Park.

The 19-year-old is a right-footed winger who likes to cut in onto his favoured side from the left wing, just like his fellow countryman, and he has shown great signs of promise in his short career so far.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed him "superb" and a "huge talent", showing that the analyst clearly believes that the gem has potential.

Virginius' form in Ligue 2 at his age also indicates that he has the scope to make it at the top level in the future. He has racked up eight goals and four assists in 46 league outings - playing around 15 lots of 90 minutes in that time - and has scored five goals in 15 caps for the France under-19s.

This shows that he has the quality to score and create goals at an impressive rate, with almost one goal contribution per 90 minutes in Ligue 2, and he still has plenty of years left ahead of him to fulfill his potential.

Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin has shown that he can make an impact in the Premier League. In the 2021/22 campaign, the winger produced five goals and five assists, proving that he has the ability to be a match-winner on his day in the English top flight.

Based on his statistics at the age of 19, Virginius could have a similar impact for the Toon, and that is why he could be an excellent signing for Newcastle. He could come in and be the next Frenchman to cause chaos down the left wing on Tyneside, cutting inside to score and create goals.

AND in other news, "Newcastle will..": Craig Hope issues teen signing claim that'll leave Howe delighted...