Next potential Dan Ashworth wonderkid revealed with Newcastle United chasing £8.5m star

Newcastle United are plotting an £8.5million swoop for Nurnberg prodigy Can Uzun, according to reports.

The Magpies are already set to sign one talented midfielder, with Manchester City youngster Aflie Harrison expected on Tyneside in the coming days. His blonde topknot hairstyle has drawn comparisons to superstar Erling Haaland but he is a stylish playmaker who likes to get on the ball.

Turkish under-18 international Uzun could follow suit after impressing for Nurnberg in the German second tier. He has bagged eight goals in 16 games for Die Legende, almost single-handedly giving them an outside chance of winning promotion.

These strikes included a brace in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Hansa at the Max-Morlock-Stadion. Born in Germany but choosing to represent his country of descent, Uzun is a goalscoring number 10 - a position Newcastle lack under Eddie Howe.

At 18, Uzun will likely link up with Ben Dawson (under-21s manager) or Graeme Carrick (under-18s manager) should he, as reported by Fanatik, join Newcastle. However, a lack of depth at senior level could present an opportunity in Howe’s first-team squad.

Dan Ashworth has made a conscious effort to bolster the club’s academy setup since his appointment as sporting director. Under the previous regime, developing youth was an afterthought but is now part of Newastle’s long-term strategy on and off the pitch.

Top talents like Garang Kuol, Alex Murphy and Yankuba Minteh have been imported from overseas with hopes of making it at St James’ Park. Even if the moves do not work out, players can be developed and flipped at a profit to create further Financial Fair Play wriggle room.