Newcastle United are scouting Brighton and Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard at the World Cup, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Trossard selected by Martinez

The Premier League star was named in Roberto Martinez’s 26-man squad to represent Belgium and is currently in action in Qatar, but that hasn’t stopped any speculation surrounding his future at the Amex Stadium.

Trossard's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and having not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms, he has been linked with a move to the likes of Chelsea alongside the Magpies.

The Latest: Newcastle scouting Trossard

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle’s scouting team have been ‘keeping close tabs’ on Trossard, who has been involved in both of Belgium’s opening group games at the World Cup.

The Magpies' sporting director Dan Ashworth made the 27-year-old one of his ‘first signings’ during his time on the south coast, and the Tyneside outfit have been ‘tracking’ their target ahead of a potential approach in the winter.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/" title="Newcastle news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: It could happen

Newcastle are currently nine points above Chelsea in the Premier League table, so it would be a massive coup for Eddie Howe if he could beat the Blues to Trossard’s signature.

The Seagulls ‘wizard’, as dubbed by Charlie Haffenden, has netted seven goals and provided three assists in 14 league appearances this season and is currently averaging 2.6 shots per game.

The Magpies have had a hugely impressive start to the campaign, and putting that into consideration alongside his existing connection with Ashworth, there’s no reason to believe why Trossard wouldn’t be eager to make the switch to St James’ Park.