The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) may now loan out Newcastle United gem Garang Kuol in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: World Cup heartbreak

Kuol suffered heartbreak at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as Australia were narrowly knocked out 2-1 by Argentina in the last-16 of the tournament.

The 18-year-old missed a late chance to take the South American heavyweights to extra-time, but still earned praise from Magpies legend Alan Shearer for his cameo, which had made him the youngest player to play a World Cup knockout match since Pele for Brazil in 1958 (The Chronicle).

The Latest: January offers

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the St. James' Park outfit have been 'inundated' with loan offers for Kuol, and are 'weighing up' options from the Championship.

The Australian could also be sent abroad due to UK work permit issues, as he has not officially joined the North East club yet.

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The Verdict: Good call

Kuol arrives on Tyneside with a lot of promise, having previously been hailed as ‘unbelievable‘ by FC Barcelona manager and footballing legend Xavi after he was called up to an A-League All Stars squad to play the La Liga giants.

Kuol managed six goals and three assists in 15 games for Central Coast Mariners over the past two seasons (Transfermarkt), which earned him a call-up for the Socceroos for the World Cup at just 18.

He does not officially join Eddie Howe's side until January, and with them sitting in third place in the Premier League table, they can afford to let Kuol leave on loan in order to further his development, before returning in the summer.