Newcastle United are reportedly among several clubs showing an interest in signing teenage French talent Georginio Rutter.

The print edition of The Sunday Mirror (page 73) reported [via Sportslens] that the Magpies are in the hunt to sign the 18-year-old 'sensation', who is also wanted by Arsenal, RB Leipzig, AC Milan and Lyon. He currently plays for Ligue 1 side Rennes, who value him at £10m.

According to Sportslens, Rutter's pace, power and technical ability have caught the eye of scouts from Arsenal, with the teenager already a bulky presence at 1.82m (6ft). The 18-year-old has yet to make his first team debut for Rennes but he has featured at UEFA Youth League level, scoring once in four appearances in the competition last season (as per TransferMarkt).

L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) that Newcastle have already lodged an enquiry with the Ligue 1 club regarding their interest in the teenage striker, who has represented France at several underage grades.

Given his tender age and his lack of senior experience, Rutter would almost certainly be signed with the long-term picture in mind by whoever signs him, if he is to complete a transfer in the current window.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce already has four senior centre-forwards at the club in Andy Carroll, Joelinton, Dwight Gayle (currently out with a lengthy knee injury) and summer signing Callum Wilson, who scored on his debut for the club against West Ham.

£10m indeed seems a hefty fee to pay for someone who has yet to even play a first team game, although from Newcastle's perspective, it could be a gamble worth taking in terms of its long-term consequences.

The scale of the transfer interest in Rutter hints at the huge potential that he boasts, while it's worth remembering that Carroll won't be around forever. The Geordie native will be 32 in January and has already had an injury-plagued career, while his failure to score in 23 appearances since returning to the club last year suggests that he has lost sharpness up front.

In time, Rutter could become the eventual successor to Carroll as a powerful centre-forward presence - assuming, of course, that the Magpies can beat off the substantial competition for the Rennes youngster's signature.

Newcastle fans, how good a coup would Rutter be for the Magpies? Have your say by commenting below!