Newcastle United agree stunning four-year contract with player admired by Barcelona boss Xavi

Newcastle United are set to sign teenage sensation Garang Kuol, sources in Australia claim.

The forward, who turns 18 on Thursday, received his first-ever call-up to the Australia national team this week for their upcoming encounter with New Zealand.

Kuol, who plays for Central Coast Mariners, is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the A-League and has attracted European interest.

The Magpies, however, are on the verge of sealing his signature, with Kuol verbally agreeing a four-year contract worth £25,000-a-week, according to beIN Sports.

Should the transfer go ahead, Kuol will remain with the Mariners until January before being immediately loaned out to another European club.

That is because the 17-year-old does not yet qualify for a UK work permit. A loan spell on the continent would help the player earn the required points.

Newcastle are set to trigger Kuol’s buyout clause including add-ons, which is dependent on how the player’s career progresses.

Kuol reportedly won the admiration of Barcelona boss Xavi after appearing for the A-League All Stars in their 3-2 defeat to the La Liga giants in May.

“He played really well,” said the Barca manager. “He created many chances, almost scored. For only being 16-year-old, that’s unbelievable.”

He is expected to make his Socceroos debut against New Zealand having scored four goals in just 189 minutes of A-League action this season.