Newcastle United seem to be exploring even the tiniest and darkest corners of Europe ahead of the summer transfer window.
Under sporting director Ross Wilson, the Magpies have placed an emphasis on identifying emerging talent across the continent, particularly scouting regions of Belgium, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, revealing a particular name in Newcastle’s shortlist, the Geordies are monitoring Union Saint-Gilloise winger and Israel international
Anan Khalaili.
“Newcastle are watching Union Saint-Gilloise winger Anan Khalaili, Confidential can reveal,” Hope reported. “The 21-year-old has been talked about internally and is admired by some of the club’s top scouts, including recruitment chief Steve Nickson.
“(Nickson) has an eye for unearthing talent from abroad and we have learnt that Khalaili, with speed and technical ability, is seen as a player of vast potential.”
Khalaili has registered three goals in the Champions League this season, including both of Union Saint-Gilloise’s goals in a 3-2 defeat to Marseille in December. He also scored the winner at home against Atalanta last month.
The 21-year-old right winger has 15 senior caps for Israel and has made 136 senior club appearances. He featured 34 times last season as Union Saint-Gilloise won the Belgian title, scoring five goals.
“With £55million having been spent on right winger Anthony Elanga last summer, the feeling is that, if there is to be an addition in that area, it will be a player of a younger and less expensive profile, such as Khalaili,” Hope added.
One potential complication is that Union Saint-Gilloise is part-owned by Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who holds a 25 percent stake.
At this stage, Newcastle’s interest appears to be at the scouting and monitoring phase ahead of the summer window.
