Newcastle United have reportedly made a 'big verbal approach' to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The 18-year-old's contract expires in the summer, meaning that he can sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-German club in January, or leave as a free agent.

Hailed as 'the biggest talent in the world' by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland when he was with him at Dortmund, the teenager has already amassed 59 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, scoring 11 goals and supplying a further eight assists (featured for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar.

To sign him on a free transfer would be a great pickup for any club considering his potential sell-on value, and it looks like the St James' Park outfit have joined the race for his signature.

The Latest: Approach made

Taking to Twitter, Evening Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella has revealed that Newcastle have made a 'big verbal approach' to try and sign Moukoko under the noses of their Premier League rivals Chelsea.

He tweeted: "Newcastle have made a big verbal approach to sign Moukoko from Dortmund in a bid to beat Chelsea to his signature."

The journalist adds in his corresponding article that Barcelona are also thought to be interested in the 18-year-old's signature, but the Tynesiders are 'well-placed' to beat both rivals to his signing.

They have reportedly discussed a deal worth more than £150,000 per week for Moukoko to join on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

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The Verdict: No-brainer

To sign a player of Moukoko's age and quality on a free transfer is a no-brainer for Eddie Howe's side.

Lauded as an 'incredible prospect' by The Guardian journalist Ed Aarons, he ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty xG, 93rd for assists, 91st for non-penalty goals and 88th for npxG + xAG per game for all strikers in Europe's top five leagues over the past year (FBref), showing the high level output that he possesses in front of goal which goes beyond his tender years.

Also, Moukoko shares the same agent as Howe, which might just help to push through a move to the Magpies ahead of their fellow suitors.