Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has confirmed Garang Kuol was at the club's training base for talks as the Scottish club seek a January loan deal. The Newcastle United attacker, 18, only officially joined the Magpies last week but will leave Tyneside on a temporary basis before the end of the month.
Kuol was flanked by his entourage and Newcastle loan chief Shola Ameobi as he entered Hearts' facilities but Neilson has moved to play down talk a switch north of the border is imminent.
“He’s a player we’re interested in so he came up for a look around with his agent,” said Neilson. “He’s got a number of clubs that are very interested in him.
READ MORE: Garang Kuol and Shola Ameobi spotted at Hearts' training base ahead of Newcastle United loan talks
"He’s a huge prospect. He’s one we’ve known about for quite a long time because he comes from the same team as Kye Rowles was at.
“The opportunity came to speak to him so we brought him up and we’ll see where it goes. It’s still at the very early stages. It will depend what other clubs are in for him. ”
Kuol is being watched by a number of teams in Scotland, England's second-tier and across Europe as Newcastle seek to find the best location for their new talent. Hearts is seen by many as a good location for the Australian to develop given three of his fellow countrymen currently ply their trade for the Jam Tarts.
Kuol admits he has already taken on board advice given to him by his World Cup co-stars last month. "I’m buzzing obviously. I can’t wait to get down there (to Newcastle) and hit the ground running," the teen said before his move was official.
“Obviously players like Jason (Cummings) and others, they give me pointers and to keep on working hard, which is what I plan to do anyway.”
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