Newcastle United could find it hard to complete the signing of Borussia Dortmund youngster Youssoufa Moukoko, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Newcastle keen on Moukoko
The 18-year-old is the latest star youngster to emerge in Dortmund's ranks, following the likes of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham in recent years.
Newcastle are believed to be interested in signing Moukoko, following a recent report, with the attacker already scoring 11 goals and registering eight assists for his current club.
Eddie Howe is keen on adding exciting youth to his squad - Garang Kuol is the first evidence of that - and the Dortmund starlet would certainly tick that box.
The Latest: Dortmund won't sell easily
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano shared that Dortmund won't make it easy for Newcastle to get their man, holding 'new conversations' to extend the player's deal and fend off external interest:
"The real point is that in the last few days, Borussia Dortmund are now pushing to extend the contract of Moukoko.
"They had new conversations with his agents, they’re trying to convince the player and to find a way to make him happy and to extend his contract.
"The manager Edin Terzic has a great relationship with Moukoko, and so he’s trying to tempt the player with this new deal in negotiations."
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The Verdict: Could be a huge signing
Dortmund's reticence to not sell one of their prized assets is certainly understandable, especially as Bellingham looks likely to move on at the end of the season.
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If Newcastle managed to snap up the teenager it could be huge, however - Haaland has called him the 'biggest talent in the world' in the past - suggesting their future very much belongs in the big time.
Moukoko's current Dortmund deal expires at the end of this season, so the ball is very much in his court, but he would surely be tempted to join the Howe revolution at St James' Park, as they push for a top-four finish and EFL Cup glory this season.