NUFC Transfer News: Magpies Chase "New Paul Pogba"

Manchester United's biggest regret over the last few seasons was to let Paul Pogba leave for Juventus for a nominal fee. The French midfielder has gone on to become one of the most-exciting prospects in Europe - and now Newcastle United are chasing a player who is dubbed as "the new Paul Pogba". The Magpies find themselves in exalted company alongside Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris-Saint Germain in the battle to sign 17-year-old Lens midfielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide. Interestingly, Juve are also believed to be interested in Reine-Adelaide - possibly as a direct replacement for Pogba, should the latter leave for either PSG, Manchester City or Chelsea.

Yet, despite reported interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, Newcastle are believed to be leading the race to sign the athletic and pacey Reine-Adelaide - according to The Chronicle. Although Graham Carr, Newcastle's chief scout, has already made contact with Lens and made the Magpies' interest clear, wages could scupper any deal. The 17-year-old has yet to feature at senior level for Lens and he has not made a single Ligue 1 appearance to date but his athleticism and physicality suggest he is destined for great things. Despite this, Reine-Adelaide - who can player in midfield or even across the front three - would likely demand a substantial pay packet due to the fact he is coveted so highly. Newcastle missed out on the chance to sign now-Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma from Saint-Etienne in 2013 because they refused to meet his wage demands at a time when he was just a bit-part first-team defender, and the same could happen once more. What's clear, however, is that there is absolutely no chance of Newcastle signing one of Europe's hottest prospects if the Magpies are relegated to the Championship this season. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.