Newcastle United striker Chris Wood says he is looking forward to seeing reported Magpies transfer target Garang Kuol in action this week.
The New Zealander is currently on international duty with the All Whites, who face a double-header against trans-Tasman rivals Australia.
Kuol has been called into the Australia national team for the first time for the fixtures, which take place in Brisbane and Auckland over the coming days.
The Central Coast Mariners’ star’s call-up comes amid several reports linking him to clubs across Europe – including Newcastle.
What did Chris Wood say about reported Newcastle United target Garang Kuol?
Wood, who will be looking to get the better of the 18-year-old’s Socceroos side, admits he has not yet seen the teenager in action. However, he feels if Newcastle are keen, then there is every reason to believe he is a bright talent.
“I’ve heard a lot about him, especially over the last week or two with the link to Newcastle,” said Wood in his pre-game press conference.
“I hear he is an extremely highly sought-after talent over here. I would love to see him in these next couple of games to see what he is like.
“I’m sure he is a very exciting talent if a club like us is looking at him. Especially with where the club is going to go in the next few years.”
Have Newcastle agreed to sign Kuol?
Kuol has been linked with clubs across Europe but Newcastle appear to be the frontrunners. The Athletic recently reported that Newcastle are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with the player. A deal would likely happen in January, with talk underway regarding a potential European-based loan to circumnavigate early visa issues.
The fact Wood has not seen Kuol in action is no surprise. Never mind the fact the youngster would be playing his football in fairly anti-social hours for the Tyneside-based striker. The teen has not played a lot of regular first-team football.
In fact, he is yet to start an A-League fixture for the Mariners. However, so precocious is Kuol’s talent, he has managed to score four goals in his eight appearances off the bench.
So it is little wonder Newcastle have him on their radar. This week will give Kuol a chance to catch the eye on the international stage and it won’t just be Wood keeping track. Plenty of scouts will be watching to see how he fairs against a New Zealand backline containing former West Ham stalwart Winston Reid – playing his final international fixture.
If Newcastle are looking for someone to report back on Kuol’s performance from the ground, then Wood is their man.
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