Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing the highly-rated 16-year old prospect Ilyes Zouaoui from Olympique Marseille as the French club are looking to secure him on a new deal, according to The Daily Mail.

As per the outlet, Zouaoui is out of contract in the summer and is in danger of being snapped up for free in the upcoming transfer window.

However, he has also attracted interest from several European giants with Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Olympiakos among the teams thought to have scouted the youngster.

They had apparently been impressed with his ability to cut in from the left-hand side and score off of his right foot.

Zouaoui had scored 15 goals and made 14 assists in just 16 games for Marseille's under-18s side prior to youth football being suspended due to the global pandemic, and he is also an established U17 international for France.

These are highly impressive stats at any level, and the fact that Zouaoui is still so young and other big heavyweights are chasing his signature should give NUFC at least some incentive to consider signing him up.

In addition, the Frenchman will already have a mentor to learn from in fellow countryman Allan Saint-Maximin. The 23-year old was also signed from French football and plays in a similar position.

ASM has averaged the highest rating (7.18) in the Premier League so far out of his teammates this season, and also averages 4.4 dribbles per match, the most by far (via Whoscored).

Signing Zouaoui on a free transfer would be low-risk and he still has so much time in front of him to grow into a potential fans favourite.

Geordies, would this be a good signing? Comment below!