Wonderkid discusses move to Europe amid Newcastle United, Chelsea and Barcelona interest

Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in Australian wonderkid Garang Kuol.

The 17-year-old forward has rose to prominence with A-League club Central Coast Mariners and has reportedly attracted the attention of Chelsea and Barcelona.

It was a performance against the latter during an exhibition game with the A-League All-Stars during the summer that instigated interest and reported talks with the Catalan giants.

A report in Australian outlet The Age has suggested ‘newly cashed-up’ Newcastle are also keen on making a move for a player tipped to win a maiden call-up to the Australian squad over the coming months.

Around a dozen major European clubs are keeping a watching eye on Kuol and the report has stated some ‘firm offers’ have already been made.

Discussing a possible move to Europe, the young star told The Age and The Herald: “I’m chilling, to be honest.

“I’m just focusing on training and that. There’s really no effect. Nothing confirms anything, in terms of how I’ll go at any of those places, if I do go.

“It’s an important decision because it’s my stepping stone to life in Europe. I can’t go anywhere until January, so it gives me time to make a decision.”

Kuol turns 18 later this month and would be unable to move to Tyneside until January if United win the race to secure his services.

There would also be issues surrounding a work permit and the youngster could face a spell out on loan to meet the requirements to feature in the Premier League.

Mariners chairman Richard Peil addressed interest in Kuol, telling The Herald: “There are top-level clubs across Europe that have expressed serious interest in Garang but, as always, we will respect Garang’s decision and his family’s decision of when and who he wants to be with for his next chapter in football.

Kuol is yet to make a league start for the Mariners but has scored four goals and provided one assist in eight substitute appearances.