Former Man United defender turned agent confirms Newcastle United interest in £12m deal

Newcastle United have shown interest in Desire Doue as they consider a move for the Stade Rennais teenager.

That’s according to the i, who spoke to the 18-year-old’s agent Mikael Silvestre courtesy of Freebets.com, formerly of Manchester United and Arsenal.

Doue, an attacking midfielder, has already caught the attention of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain on the back of his breakthrough season in France.

He became the first player born in 2005 to score in any of the five major European leagues last year, as well as becoming Rennes’ youngest-ever scorer in the Europa League.

It’s claimed the Magpies contacted Doue’s representatives earlier this year as they weigh up a move for the £12m-rated star.

“I know Newcastle came to watch him and were in touch with us,” revealed Silvestre. Like a lot of clubs in Europe when they scout, they come and try and speak to the entourage and get a feeling and try to understand what the situation is.

“It’s not necessarily about the contractual situation but also what’s going on in the life of the player as much as possible before they make a move.”

Rennes are keen to avoid a sale this summer with Doue still having two years left on his contract.

Silvestre added: “It was his breakthrough season, a big season for him. He [was] only 17 and did it going through the Baccalaureat [French academic qualification]. Unlike other players he had to wake up early in the morning to go to school and he managed that well.

“He’s a talented player and attracted big teams from all over Europe but no decision has been made on him. He has exams on 20 June, it’s strange but that’s the life of a 17- or 18-year-old.”

Newcastle have made a big effort to sign future stars, with sporting director Dan Ashworth the driving force behind it.

Yankuba Minteh joined from Danish side Odense earlier this week and will spend next season on loan at Dutch champions Feyenoord. Garang Kuol also joined in January from A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners.