Newcastle want to sign the 16th best teenager in world football

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing Jeremy Doku, a player Craig Bellamy has deemed “beyond talented”.

The Magpies enjoyed a successful January transfer window, bringing in five new first-team players.

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle will look to spend big in the summer window as well.

The Magpies board will reportedly look to strengthen in every position.

And Doku is believed to be on the radar of Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson and his scouting team.

The 19-year-old is a regular for French club Rennes as well as the Belgium national team.

Doku surged into the spotlight at Euro 2020 with some exhilarating displays, even catching Gary Lineker’s eye.

Young Jeremy Doku is making me dizzy. There’ll be a queue of clubs wanting a Doku sign.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 2, 2021

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Doku came through the ranks at Anderlecht and opted to stay put amid interest from Liverpool.

In 2020, he moved to French outfit Rennes for a reported £23.4million fee.

Doku worked under former Newcastle star Craig Bellamy at Anderlecht, where he made a positive impression.

Speaking to the Central Club podcast, Bellamy said: “He was a difficult player.

“Antwerp boy, tough kid, beyond talented.

“Don’t mess with him – you can’t talk down to him, because he’ll just go the other way.

“Get him onside, let him know you care about him because if you care about him, he’ll play like anything for you.”

“In mind of Sadio Mane”

FourFourTwo recently published their list of the top 50 teenagers in world football, and Doku is 16th.

“Belgian winger Doku impressed in Ligue 1 in his first season after Rennes paid upwards of £20m for his services,” they wrote.

“And after an unexpected showing at Euro 2020, he’s now pretty much the heir to the aching Eden Hazard.

“What really raises the pulse about the youngster is his ability to stop to a standstill before accelerating past his man.

“Though his strength, low centre of gravity and rocket of a right foot will put you in mind of Sadio Mane.

“He’s still so very young and will only grow from here.”