Newcastle United are reportedly among the favourites to sign Central Coast Mariners striker Garang Kuol in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Upcoming prospect

At just 17 years of age, Kuol is certainly a precocious prospect, having played nine senior games for his club in Australia, scoring four goals and supplying one assist (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as a 'talented' player by Mariners chairman Richard Peil, he has even earned high praise from footballing legends Xavi and Dwight Yorke, and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has personally swapped shirts with him in the past (The Age).

The Latest: Newcastle among the favourites

As per Australian outlet The Age, Newcastle are 'close to the front of the queue' to sign Kuol in January, with Barcelona and Chelsea also in the race for his signature.

He is thought to be a possible wildcard for Australia’s 26-man World Cup squad in Qatar, and if he continues to impress, the striker could find himself playing against some of the best players in the world in a couple of months' time.

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for the Toon Army that their club could be signing a player as talented as Kuol in January.

He would likely start off in their academy ranks, with the hope of breaking into the first-team squad under Eddie Howe.

Nonetheless, if they could beat the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea to his signature, then it would be a real coup for the Magpies.