Newcastle United star gives verdict as Magpies transfer target is linked with January move to Portuguese club

The name of Garang Kuol just will not go away when it comes to Newcastle United’s January transfer business.

The Australian wonderkid has enjoyed a rapid rise to the highest level of the game after making his professional debut for Central Coast Mariners in a FFA Cup match last December.

The 18-year-old marked his league debut with a goal in a 5-0 win over Wellington Phoenix in April and has gone on to score four goals and provide one assist in the first 10 appearances of a highly-promising career.

Kuol came to the attention of clubs around Europe when he put in an eye-catching display in an A-League All-Stars game against Barcelona and received praise from the La Liga club’s coach, Xavi.

He took the next step in his career over the weekend when the youngster made his international debut as the Socceroos claimed a 2-0 win against New Zealand.

With speculation over his future dominating the headlines in Australia, beIN Sports suggested Newcastle have already agreed a deal to bring Kuol to Tyneside during the January transfer window.

The report stated the forward has accepted a £25,000-a-week deal to join the Magpies - but will immediately be sent out on loan to a club in Europe to help him meet the new criteria to secure a work permit to play in England.

The Sydney Morning Herald have now gone a step further and revealed that their sources have indicated Kuol will join a club in Portugal on a temporary basis before returning to Newcastle at the end of the season.

One current Magpies star has given his verdict on the move for Kuol.

Striker Chris Wood commented: “I haven’t seen him play, but I’ve heard a lot about him over the week or two, with the link.

“I’m sure he’s a very exciting talent if a club like us are looking at him, especially with where the club’s going to go in the next few years.”

Wood featured for New Zealand during the opening half-hour of the friendly against Australia but had been substituted with a rib injury by the time Kuol had made his international bow.