Newcastle United are set to battle three other Premier League clubs for a highly-rated teenage talent in the hopes of future-proofing their front line.
The Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell has made it no secret that he will look to the continent for reasonably priced deals for players who will integrate into our long-term project.
This deal will have to be pushed back to the summer, though, and with plenty of registered interest in the starlet, Newcastle will have to move without hesitation to get their man.
According to Sky Germany’s chief reporter Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle United and three other Premier League clubs could battle it out for Nurnberg sensation Stefanos Tzimas.
He reports that four clubs are keen on the young Greek talent with Nurnberg planning to activate the €18m buy option in their loan contract with PAOK, with the intention of selling him directly in the summer.
This isn’t the first time we’ve been linked with the move for the 19-year-old, who may be the latest ‘project signing’ on Mitchell’s radar after a recent move for Georgian talent Vakhtang Salia; who is due to arrive in August.
Brighton are said to be monitoring Tzimas closely, with Chelsea and Aston Villa also keen on the bright young forward. The Seagulls in particular have a proven track record for recruiting and developing young talents, so it’s probably a good sign that they are in the mix.
A two-footed, physical forward, Tzimas is considered to be one of Greece’s rising stars and is proving himself at a professional level.
Playing under the tutelage of German legend Miroslav Klose, the 19-year-old has notched eight goals in 14 2. Bundesliga appearances this season.
Standing at 6’1”, it isn’t only Tzimas goalscoring ability that has caught the eye this season. Technically proficient with a tidy first touch and a sharp burst of speed, the youngster is proving a real handful for defenders. He also puts in his fair share of defensive duties making him a good fit for Howe’s system.
Furthermore, the proof of how Howe can improve players is more and more evident every season. Lewis Hall this season being the most recent example, Tzimas can be even better after a few seasons under the gaffer.