Newcastle United are reportedly now 'close' to sealing a 'monster' deal for Central Coast Mariners striker Garang Kuol.

The Lowdown: Interest reported

The St. James' Park outfit's interest in Kuol was reported earlier this month, as they were one of the frontrunners for his signature.

Chelsea and FC Barcelona also held an interest in the 17-year-old, but he now looks set to move to the North East.

The Latest: Newcastle win race

As per beIN Sports in Australia, also reported by 90min, the Tynesiders are now 'close' to clinching a 'monster' move for Kuol, and he has already agreed on personal terms for a four-year deal.

The Australian is set to earn £25,000-per-week at the Magpies, and would officially sign for them in the January transfer window before being loaned out to another club in his homeland.

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for the Toon Army to see a deal for a highly-rated prodigy like Kuol going through.

Hailed as 'unbelievable' by Barcelona manager and footballing legend Xavi after he was called up to an A-League All Stars squad to face the La Liga giants, Kuol has recently been called up for the first time by Australia for their upcoming fixtures against New Zealand in preparation for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

At just 17, he played nine times for the Mariners last season, scoring four goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt), and so it seems NUFC have got a real gem on their hands providing that the deal goes through as planned.