Report: Newcastle are now targeting another 'one of the brightest' talents in world football after Kuol

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United are slowly but surely developing into a force to be reckoned with.

Not only have the Magpies made plenty of top signings at first-team level, but they’re also bolstering their youth ranks.

Earlier this season, Newcastle secured the signing of Garang Kuol, one of the brightest youngsters in world football.

Now, according to Portuguese outlet Record – via Sport Witness – the Magpies have set their sights on Porto’s Diogo Costa.

The goalkeeper is just 23, but has already clocked up 82 competitive appearances for his club.

Costa also boasts an impressive medal collection, having lifted five trophies with Porto’s senior team.

He has won two Primeira Liga titles, two Portuguese cups and a Portuguese Super Cup.

Ahead of Porto’s Champions League meeting with Club Brugge, Record featured an article about Costa.

Following his great performances against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, the keeper is now set to be back in action in the tournament.

Costa already has the ‘spotlight’ on him, as the Dragons will be in Belgium facing Club Brugge on Wednesday.

Speaking of clubs reportedly eyeing the player, Newcastle get a new mention.

The outlet claims that Magpies have the Portugal international ‘well referenced’.

As well as Newcastle, the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly eyeing Costa too.

‘An elite goalkeeper’

Newcastle would be getting their hands on a truly sensational talent if they sign Costa.

Breaking the Lines published a scouting report on him earlier this year, and they didn’t half sing his praises.

“There are few goalkeepers who at the age of (then) 22 – start for their nation, hold the number 1 spot at their boyhood club, experience Champions League football and win five domestic trophies,” they began.

“There are few goalkeepers like the present and future of Porto and Portugal, Diogo Meireles da Costa.

“Diogo Costa is unarguably one of the brightest goalkeeping prospects in world football. And has attracted interest most notably from the likes of Barcelona and Newcastle recently.

“The hype around Diogo Costa is unquestionably justified looking at what he has won at such a young age, but what about the ‘keeper himself? Well, he is everything you could ask for from a modern goalkeeper.

“The Porto shot-stopper is a well-rounded elite goalkeeper, demonstrated by Porto’s first league game at home to Madeira side CS Maritimo (a common occurrence).

“Where, in an instant, two certain goals were prevented by a young man with nerves of steel, high levels of concentration, safe hands, perfect positioning, agility, and reactions – he has all of this in abundance.

“Costa is also elite coming off his line, being in the top percentiles in Europe for defensive actions outside his area.

“Diogo Costa is an elite goalkeeper, the best in Portugal, arguably already the best out of 10.2 million Portuguese natives and will certainly be among Europe’s best shot-stoppers for years to come.”