Chelsea are likely to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Borussia Dortmund youngster Youssoufa Moukoko, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist March Behrenbeck.
The 18-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and a whole host of teams from around Europe have expressed an interest in his services.
The Magpies have been touted as one of the clubs keen, however Behrenbeck claims the west London outfit are the most likely destination at this stage in the race.
“It is clear that a lot of top clubs are enquiring about Moukoko and are keen on him,” he told Sky Sports Germany.
“He is available on a free transfer in the summer and is a bargain. We hear that Chelsea are the closest. There have already been negotiations and talks.
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“Other clubs on the list are Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Newcastle. But the hottest is Chelsea, the others are not that far yet.”
Chelsea likely to beat Newcastle to Moukoko
Since emerging onto the European scene as a 16-year-old, Moukoko has become one of the most exciting talents in world football.
The German became the youngest ever player to feature in the Bundesliga two years ago, with former teammate Erling Haaland hailing the forward as ‘the biggest talent in the world’, claiming at ‘16 years and one day old, that’s amazing’.
In the Bundesliga this season, the centre-forward has bagged six goals and four assists in 14 matches. Lavished for his numbers at youth level, Moukoko is now doing the same with the seniors. As a result, former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves claimed the level he is producing at such a young age is ‘incredible’.
Therefore, with the north-east club looking to add talented teenagers to their squad, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see the Toon linked with the Dortmund star.
However, the likelihood of a move to Tyneside now seems slim, with Chelsea running away in the race.