Newcastle United issue Garang Kuol update after Hearts transfer talks

Garang Kuol is back at Newcastle United’s training ground after holding face-to-face talks with Scottish Premiership side Hearts.

The teenager has attracted interest from a number of clubs after the Magpies announced their intention to immediately send the forward out on loan following his move from A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners.

One of the clubs leading the race is Hearts. Kuol, accompanied by loan manager Shola Ameobi, travelled to Edinburgh on Thursday morning and was met by sporting director Joe Savage, who pitched a temporary move.

A decision regarding Kuol’s next club is yet to be made however, with Kuol at the Magpies’ Benton training base on Friday to undergo some fitness work.

Asked about Kuol, head coach Eddie Howe told NewcastleWorld: “I’ve just bumped into him in the corridor this morning and we had a nice little chat.

“He’s good, I saw him before the Arsenal game when he came to watch the team and again, we had a little chat before the match.

“Our plan is still to loan him out. We’re identifying clubs and trying to find the right home for him, somewhere where we feel he will play and be given an opportunity to develop his game.

“He’s got a great attitude, a real smile that hits you when you meet him. He’s a really bright lad. Hopefully, he’ll get a good loan.”

The 18-year-old arrives at Newcastle with huge potential.

Kuol enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2022 by scoring six times and providing four assists in 17 appearances for Central Coast Mariners, as well as being selected for Australia’s World Cup squad, where he played against France and Argentina.

“Players go on loan for lots of different reasons and his would be to gain experience, to learn a lot about British football,” Howe continued.

“We really like him and we want him to find a home where coaches will develop him and improve him. He’s still young so naturally, he’s got areas of his game that need work.

“But that experience, hopefully, will benefit for us and the long-term.”