Newcastle are interested in Schalke 04's Ozan Kabak, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

Kabak will be familiar to Newcastle supporters off the back of his loan spell at Liverpool in the latter half of last season.

In fact, the Turkish international played the full 90 minutes when the two sides drew 1-1 at Anfield at the end of April.

That was one of 13 Reds appearances for the 21-year-old, who returned to Germany after Liverpool declined to trigger their £18million option to buy.

He's valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt, but it should be noted that Schake, who were relegated to the second tier at the end last season, currently face a mountain of debt.

The latest

Newcastle's interest has yet to progress to an 'official bid', but the same can't be said of Serie A outfit Torino.

They proposed a loan with an option to buy, and while they were rebuffed by Schalke, who prefer a permanent deal, talks between the two clubs are still 'on'.

The verdict

Kabak performed well for Liverpool in very difficult circumstances, with the Reds hobbled by a succession of injuries. He would be an excellent buy for Newcastle, particularly if a cut-price deal is possible due to Schalke's precarious financial situation.

This is a player who should still be regarded as one of the most exciting up-and-coming centre-halves in the European game given the praise he earned from Jurgen Klopp, who called him 'an amazing talent'.

Indeed, the Magpies could really do with signing a centre-back in the remaining week of the transfer window. According to The Athletic's Chris Waugh, that's now top of their priority list.

In other news, Waugh offered this verdict on Bruce's future.