Newcastle United are one of a host of big clubs interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach star Kouadio "Manu" Kone, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

The Lowdown: Kone impressing in Germany

The 21-year-old has already become a key figure for Monchengladbach, performing with a maturity beyond his years at the base of their midfield.

Kone has made 14 starts in the Bundesliga this season, averaging 2.1 tackles per game and also enjoying an 86.6% pass completion rate overall.

The youngster's current Monchengladbach deal expires in the summer of 2025 but it looks as though he could move on long before then.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing up signing

Writing on Twitter, Romano confirmed Newcastle's interest in Kone, although they are far from alone in eyeing up the young Frenchman:

"Many top clubs are following French big talent Manu Kone. Been told summer is move most likely plan for player, agents and ‘Gladbach.

"FC Bayern, Newcastle, PSG and also Liverpool (Bellingham remains their n1 priority) are well informed on Kone’s situation."

[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: One for the future

Kone looks like a player of immense ability and potential, being compared to Paul Pogba in the past and winning six caps for France's Under-21s to date. He is silky on the ball like Pogba, ranking in the 99th percentile for dribbles by midfielders in Europe's top five leagues.

[freshpress-quiz id=“418867"]

Newcastle's midfield has undoubtedly done well this season, as their Premier League position suggests, but Kone could be an upgrade on someone like Sean Longstaff, helping take the Magpies up another gear.

At 21, there would be no rush for Eddie Howe to play him every week, however, and he could be eased in gradually, becoming a formidable presence over time.