According to the Sun, Newcastle are keeping an eye on FC Martigues striker Nordine Ibouroi, but so also are Stoke City, St Etienne, Niort and Cologne.
The 19-year-old also has some Championship clubs on his trail after his performances against Monaco reserves in September.
Ibouroi has been a revelation in the Championnat National 2, French fourth-tier and non-League side, and it’s only a matter of life until he’s snapped up by a big club.
East African minnows Comoros have already handed the teenager a call-up as they look to build their football, and the future seems bright for him.
Ibouroi is also capable of playing wide, and his versatility could come handy to a Newcastle side in dire need of wingers and strikers.
Given that he has a French passport, work-permit in England wouldn’t be an issue should a move to the topflight happen.
The Magpies were linked with a couple of French youngsters during the summer transfer window, and despite being unproven at a higher level, Ibouroi could become Newcastle version of Riyad Mahrez – a player who conquered England after arriving from France lower tiers.
