Newcastle have now scouted 20-year-old defender who left Roberto Martinez stunned multiple times

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Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch over Anderlecht defender Zeno Debast as they look to add quality in depth to their defence.

Newcastle’s team has been ravaged by injuries in the last few weeks and is down to the bare bones with the side just one injury away from starting Paul Dummett at the heart of the defence.

Jeunes Footeux are reporting that Newcastle had sent their representatives to watch the 20-year-old play for Belgium in a friendly against Serbia on Wednesday evening.

Martinez impressed with Debast’s debut

Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was blown away by Debast’s first appearances for the Red Devils against Wales last year, with Martinez even claiming it was one of the best he’d ever seen.

Martinez said: “This was one of the most impressive debuts for the Red Devils in recent years.

“I have never seen such a young player make his debut so well. I enjoyed it. I saw a young guy with a lot of self-confidence, but also a lot of desire to learn.”

Debast is playing regularly for Anderlecht where he is a star, but it may be time for a big move with the defender having just over 18 months left on his current contract.

Newcastle are known to be tracking the young Anderlecht talent, but there is also one unnamed Bundesliga side who have also shown interest and may rival the Magpies in the race for Debast.

Debast and Botman could be perfect partnership for Newcastle

Fabian Schar has been playing the best football of his career in the last two years under Eddie Howe and has become one of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League.

That being said, the Swiss international will be turning 32-years-old in December and Newcastle must think about the evolution of their defence and who can be introduced at the right-sided spot for the long-term to partner Sven Botman.

Debast is an imposing presence at centre-back as he has proven while at Anderlecht and is confident with the ball at his feet, which is exactly the kind of player Newcastle will be looking for.

With Newcastle desperate to get more bodies in and avoid an injury crisis like this happening again, there’s every chance that they go after the 20-year-old in January.