Newcastle United star pictured at training facilities ahead of proposed transfer

Newcastle United star Garang Kuol looks to be headed for a temporary exit.

The forward has only just touched down on Tyneside, officially joining the Magpies from Central Coast Mariners on January 1. But at 18 years of age, Newcastle feel as though playing first team football elsewhere will serve him better than playing in the club’s development squad.

Despite his youth, Kuol has been playing regular first-team football in Australia, and while he is not ready to break into Eddie Howe’s plans, he is not going to gain much at all from playing in the youth ranks. With that in mind, the Magies have decided to send Kuol out on loan so that he can continue to learn at senior level.

And it seems the Australian will spend the next six months in Scotland, linking up with Hearts on a short-term loan deal. Hearts are currently third in the Scottish Premiership, and Kuol will join a strong squad with the hope of featuring regularly. The forward will be aiming to prove Howe that he can make an impact at St James’ Park next season.

As the deal nears, Kuol has been pictured by STV cameras touring the Hearts training facilities in Edinburgh, suggesting the deal will be confirmed in the coming hours. Kuol scored six goals in 18 league appearances for Central Coast Mariners, and he appears to be an exciting talent.

There were likely other clubs interested in a loan move for Kuol, but Hearts will be a good stepping stone for the forward, who will also be playing less than three hours away from Tyneside - another important factor for a playe who has already moved to the other side of the world in recent days.

Newcastle fans will, no doubt, be keeping a close eye on their new prodigy.