According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Newcastle United have made contact with Albacete Balompié regarding their rising star Christian Kofane as they continue their youth recruitment drive after securing Antonio Cordero from Malaga.
The 18-year-old Cameroonian-born striker is one of the hottest prospects in the Segunda Division, netting an impressive six goals with one assist in just 15 appearances this season. More remarkably, five of those goals came in his last six matches.
A €5m (£4.25m) release clause makes Kofane an attractive prospect for Newcastle's Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, who's building a reputation for identifying low-cost talents with high potential.
But the 6'2" forward is expected to attract a bidding war, with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Aston Villa showing interest.
European clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Monaco, Lille, Real Betis, and Villarreal are also monitoring his situation.
For the magpies, this pursuit aligns with Newcastle's revamped recruitment strategy focusing on young talent, as evidenced by their successful capture of Cordero, who will join the Magpies this summer from Malaga on a five-year deal.
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Newcastle United also eyeing Manchester City star
According to Esteemed Kompany, Newcastle United are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee this summer.
The 22-year-old has struggled to break into City’s star-studded first team with just two starts in the season across thirteen appearances. For the midfielder, move elsewhere could provide him with more consistent playing time.
He has plenty of attention from several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. Manchester City are believed to be open to selling McAtee for a fee of around €30 million.
Nottingham Forest have also been linked, along with Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Stuttgart and Mainz.
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