‘Face-to-face talks’: Newcastle player close to leaving on loan, meeting today – journalist

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Newcastle United youngster Garang Kuol is at Scottish club Hearts to hold face-to-face talks today over a possible loan move.

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, who claims the 18-year-old would be joining three of his Australia international teammates if he completes the switch to the Premiership.

The attacker signed for the Tyneside outfit at the end of September, but he only officially became a Magpie at the start of the new year.

It was always Eddie Howe’s plan to send the youngster out on loan, with a Championship move touted.

However, it now appears he is set to join Hearts for the remainder of the season.

Kuol has been spotted with loans manager Shola Ameobi taking a tour of the club’s training facilities at Oriam.

Kuol set to join Hearts on loan

This is a huge move for the teenager, given he is relatively new to senior football. To date, he has played just 18 first-team matches for the Central Coast Mariners out in Australia, having only made his debut in December 2021.

Now, the Socceroos international is set to join up with the Edinburgh-based club, who currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership table, behind Celtic and Rangers.

This is a great standard of football for the youngster to experience, as it will hopefully get him up to speed with the quick pace and raw physicality of British football.

Howe will be sure to keep a close eye on the 18-year-old, to see how well he fares having just moved across to the other side of the world.

At the end of the season, Newcastle will be able to evaluate Kuol’s progress, and determine his next steps.

If he excels in Scotland, we could see him return to St James’ Park, or even take another loan move in the Championship.

Hopefully this deal works out for everyone involved, as the Australian has demonstrated huge promise in recent months.