Newcastle United scouts are eyeing up stars of the future at the Under-17 World Cup, Geordie Boot Boys understands.
Given the nature of PSR, there is pressure on Newcastle United to sign more youngsters who can develop into first-team stars or be sold for a sizeable profit.
As new sporting director Ross Wilson sets about improving the Newcastle United academy, his scouts are hard at work at the world’s biggest youth tournament.
Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle United scouts are present in Qatar for the Under-17 World Cup, with one player really catching their eye.
Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba misses a penalty for Burkina Faso at the Under-17 World Cup.
Photo by Chris Ricco – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Newcastle United scouts watching Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed to Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United scouts in Qatar are taking a close look at 15-year-old striker Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba, who is representing Burkina Faso at the tournament.
“Newcastle United scouts are at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar,” he said.
“They are one of the teams who are taking an interest in Burkina Faso striker Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba, alongside pretty much every other major club in Europe.
“He is only 15-years-old, so he would not be able to move until 2028. But he’s a fantastic prospect that Newcastle are looking at.”
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Tapsoba, who plays for Real du Faso, has scored one goal in his first three games, with Burkina Faso set to face Venezuela in the first knockout round on Saturday.
Toon scouts are no strangers to the striker. Geordie Boot Boys revealed in April that Newcastle United were watching Tapsoba at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with Steve Nickson casting his eye over a forward who seemingly has the world at his feet.
He certainly impressed, with Tapsoba scoring seven goals and providing two assists in six games.
Newcastle United’s Rory Finneran impressing in Qatar
While Newcastle United scouts eye up potential future signings, one of their own is already competing at the Under-17 World Cup.
17-year-old midfielder Rory Finneran is in the Republic of Ireland squad, with Bailey informing Geordie Boot Boys that the teenager is making quite the impression in the Middle East.
“I am told Rory Finneran is having a very good tournament,” he said.
Finneran impressed in Ireland’s draw with Paraguay on Tuesday, as they get set to face Canada in the next round.