Newcastle United are reportedly now 'leading the chase' to sign Southampton teenage sensation Tyler Dibling.

The Lowdown: Upcoming prospect

At just 16 years of age, Dibling is an upcoming prospect at St. Mary's Stadium, where he scored eight goals and made a further five assists in 22 games in total for their youth teams last season (Transfermarkt).

Hailed one of the academy’s ‘shining’ stars by Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, he has even been likened to global star and Saints academy product Gareth Bale by some supporters, after netting a hat-trick of Bale-esque long-range strikes against the Magpies in the Premier League 2 back in April (Hampshire Live).

The Latest: 'Leading the chase'

Taking to Twitter, journalist Pete O'Rourke has revealed that the St. James' Park outfit, as well as Chelsea, are now 'leading the chase' to sign the young attacking midfielder/winger:

"Newcastle and Chelsea are leading the chase for Southampton teenage sensation Tyler Dibling."

The Verdict: Exciting

Potentially adding a star in the making in Dibling to their academy should be very exciting for the Toon Army - Football Insider called the youngster a 'sensation' and 'huge talent'.

They have already splashed the cash on the likes of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett to go into their first team, but building up the academy is just as important in their long-term project, something Amanda Staveley has publicly stated already.

Having played against their youth sides, Sibling should be able to settle in fairly quickly, and the England U16 international will certainly be a player to keep an eye on for Eddie Howe as he develops.