Croatian prodigy Dion Drena Beljo has flirted with the possibility of joining Newcastle United. The 20-year-old is turning heads in his native country for NK Osijek, bagging eight goals already this season.
At 6ft 5in, comparisons have already been made to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland. Dreno Beljo has also represented Croatia at under-18, under-19 and under-21 levels.
Strengthening the youth academy is one of sporting director Dan Ashworth’s key priorities, with several low-key arrivals joining in the summer. The pick of the bunch will be Australian international Garang Kuol when he officially joins the Magpies in January.
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Newcastle would rarely be one of the first clubs on a potential wonderkid’s lips when talking of a move to the Premier League. However, the Saudi-backed takeover has raised the profile - and expectations - at St James’ Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Drena Beljo name-checked Newcastle among his “favourite” teams, citing cult film Goal as inspiration for his affection. He said: “I wouldn’t mind winning the Premier League either. I watch almost every game in England.
“The best players in the world play there. The Premier League is the best league in the world. Of course, there are Bayern, Paris and Real in the other leagues. But in England, there are so many teams with a lot of quality. The football there is very intense, but mainly I watch the games because I play a virtual manager game with my friends.
‘So, I have to keep an eye on everything there. I really enjoy that. Most recently Manchester United (are my favourite team) because of Cristiano Ronaldo, but there is another team that will surely surprise you: Newcastle United.
‘Because when I was a kid, I watched the film ‘Goal’ and the player in that film fulfilled his dream of a professional career at Newcastle. I think Newcastle will be even better in real life. Because of their financial power and their incredible fans.”
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