Newcastle sink Celtic and Dortmund with signing of record-setting striker sensation close

Newcastle are ‘close to finalising a deal’ to sign lethal Australian forward Garang Kuol, and how they could overcome any work permit issues has been detailed.

Garang Kuol recently became the sixth-youngest player to make their senior Australia national team debut. The Central Coast Mariners sensation made a 20-minute cameo against New Zealand on Sunday aged just 18 years and nine days.

His inclusion in the squad also made him the youngest player to receive a call-up since Harry Kewell way back in 1996.

Kuol operates primarily at centre forward and showcased what an immense talent he is in a series of scintillating cameos last season.

Kuol notched four goals in just 145 minutes of action off the bench for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League. According to Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, he’s timing his development just right to feature for the Socceroos in Qatar.

Now, according to Sky Sports, Newcastle have liked what they’ve seen.

In fact, it’s claimed the Magpies – who are tasking their scouting network with finding the next generation of superstars – are ‘close to finalising a deal’ to sign Kuol.

Celtic and Borussia Dortmund also ‘showed an interest’, though it’s Newcastle who have taken the lead.

The financial details of any move weren’t revealed by the outlet. However, their reporter, Keith Downie, did shed light on how potential work permit issues could be overcome.

Downie tweeted one option they could explore is to loan Kuol straight out to a European club if the deal goes through.

How highly is Garang Kuol rated?

The youngster previously drew high praise from Xavi when featuring in an A-League all-stars clash against Barcelona in May.

“He played really well,” said the Barcelona boss. “He created many chances, almost scored.

“For only being a 17-year-old, that’s unbelievable.”

His Central Coast Mariners coach, Nick Montgomery, described him as “lethal” in front of goal.

Aussie made facing Barcelona look easy

He said (via Newcastle World): “He is a quiet kid off the field but most importantly does his talking on the field, is lethal in front of goal and a player who likes to go at defenders one-v-one and we saw that with the performances he produced off the bench at the back end of last season,

“Garang isn’t fazed by anything and is very level-headed. That’s why he made Barcelona seem like an easy assignment and in the process, being an inspiration for all kids in this country.

“It gave our club great pride to see him make the match his own.

“I look forward to working with him for the next two years at the club and developing him further to become one of the A-League’s most exciting talents in a long time.”

Unfortunately for Montgomery, it appears his chance to work with Kuol could be cut short by Newcastle.