The Zimbabwe international, Macauley Bonne, has slowly but surely risen through the ranks of English football.

The 24-year-old forward is currently plying his trade down in the Championship, defending the colours of Charlton Athletic. Still, if the new reports coming from talkSPORT are true, he may be making a step up to the top flight in the near future.

According to the same source, Newcastle are currently leading the race for his signature as the Magpies would be able to offer the young forward some first-team football, which is what he needs and wants at the moment.

Looking at his resume, he seems to be a player to keep an eye on.

So far, he has already bagged eight goals and two assists in the domestic league, with his most recent display at home to Bristol City representing something of an individual masterclass.

But who exactly is he and what can he do for Newcastle?

To answer those questions, we sought the opinions of those who know him best...

Justin Edinburgh, Bonne's former manager

Before he moved to Charlton just last summer, the 24-year-old centre-forward was playing for Leyton Orient, led by the late Edinburgh himself.

And during their extremely narrow 1-0 victory over AFC Telford United in the first leg of their FA Trophy semi-final, which came courtesy of Bonne himself as he was the one to score the winning goal, the gaffer was full of praise.

Here's what he said, as quoted by East London & West Essex Guardian:

"I think that shows the strength, character and class of the player because other people might have hidden away from that but I think that just shows what he’s about.

"He keeps getting himself in those positions and that’s what good strikers do and I’m pleased that he got the winning goal today."

Lee Bowyer, current Charlton manager

Another man who knows Bonne and the extent of his talent is his current coach Lee Bowyer.

When Bonne was given his debut a couple of months back, not only did he impress his new boss but he also managed to secure the victory for his new team, scoring yet another winning goal.

Bowyer didn't hide his excitement afterwards, as quoted by London News Online:

"I thought he was very good.

"I said to him before the game just go and enjoy it. Do the things we’ve been working on with him. He’s improving all the time. We all know that he’s not the finished article at the moment but he’s improving every day. Today, I thought he was outstanding.

"His work rate. I said work hard and everything will fall into place. His work rate was unreal. He came off with cramp. I thought he competed for every ball. His hold up play was very good.

"As a striker’s performance, I thought he did himself proud for his debut, taking into account where he was last season. Against the best side in the league. I thought he was outstanding and should be proud of his performance."

Joe Dunne, former Colchester United manager

Dunne had the privilege of working with this talented young forward back when they were both at Colchester United.

Even though that was years ago and Bonne was still very young and developing at that time, his gaffer already knew that he is a player with a lot of promise and potential.

Speaking after a game, Dunne said, as quoted by Leicestershire Live:

"He’s showed great promise in the youth team and he leads the line exceptionally well. He’s powerful and he gets in behind defences.

"He has a good future if he gets his head down and he keeps working hard."

Verdict

By all means, Newcastle would be wise to scoop Bonne if they truly get the chance to do so.

All of his former coaches and his current one believe he's a top talent who could go on to do rather well in the future. The Magpies better pounce on their man.