Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of KRC Genk
Newcastle United scouts have cast an eye on Genk midfield star Ibrahima Sory Bangoura this season.
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder from Guinea is deemed a potential bargain at around the £18m mark with Newcastle talent spotters taking a long hard look at some of the talents on offer in the low countries in recent months. The right-footed Bangoura stands at just over 6ft 3in tall and would offer quality back-up to midfielders such as Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
Bongoura has been a regular in a Genk side that topped the table in the Jupiler League but have dropped off in Belgium's "champions play-off" system. The hard working midfielder is classed as a 'hidden gem' in Belgium.
Genk technical director Dimitri De Conde said to Transfermarkt: "There's interest from English Premier League clubs. I've read articles online claiming there is a €17m release clause but that's not accurate."
Midfield is an area that Newcastle could find themselves light on this summer if the club decide to sell Sean Longstaff. The North Shields lad still has one year left on his contract while Joe Willock has also been linked with the exit door with Crystal Palace interested in his signature.
As Newcastle prepare for a European adventure, one way or another, they will require deeper squad cover. Eddie Howe hinted at the squad's vulnerability at the weekend.
Howe had said: "As soon as we get one or two injuries, we're stretched. We've said that every since I've been here. We are light.
"When you lose Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock, Lewis Hall, and then Alex today (and Joelinton), you see those players missing. Then you lose your firepower from the bench. They are developing, they will be good players. But we've lost a bit of firepower."
Newcastle have once again been linked with a transfer for Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga, with reports suggesting he could leave the Saudi Pro League this summer.