Newcastle United are reported to be close to completing the signing of Garang Kuol.
The striker has made a quick impression at Central Coast Mariners, at the age of 17 he is in contention for a place in Australia’s World Cup squad.
Ange Postecoglou has his own scouting network across Australia but it seems that Kuol is heading to the EPL where he is likely to be assessed then go out on loan during the January transfer window.
Newcastle United are close to finalising a deal to sign forward Garang Kuol from A League club Central Coast Mariners.
Borussia Dortmund and Celtic also showed an interest in Kuol.
(@skysports_sheth/@SkySports_Keith) #NUFC #BVB #CelticFC
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) September 27, 2022
Speaking earlier this month the Celtic boss was well aware of the emerging striker in the A-League, telling the Daily Record:
He is definitely a talent. In my generation a lot of immigrants settled in Australia from a European background and some of our best footballing prospects came from those families.
It’s a similar scenario now with a lot of immigration coming from African nations. They’re bringing their love of football to Australia. Kuol is one of those who is forging his way and there’s real talent coming through. Both him and his brother in Germany are very talented footballers and hopefully they continue to progress because Australia will benefit.
Celtic have Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis competing for one striking place but beyond those two there are no obvious striking options.
Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Sead Haksabanovic can play through the centre but all have a preference to play out wide.
Johnny Kenny has gone out on loan to Queens Park after signing from Sligo in January but there is no real pathway for younger players to move through the ranks, playing in the Lowland League wouldn’t really be an option for Kuol.