Jeremy Doku is the latest name under consideration at Newcastle United ahead of an expected summer transfer spending spree.
The Belgian wonderkid has suffered an injury-plagued campaign to date with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.
However, the 19-year-old has repeatedly been linked with a host of Europe's elite clubs including Liverpool, who are reportedly interested in a summer move of their own.
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Doku has already established an impressive reputation, and here is how the winger has already impressed a number of high-profile figures within the game including Jurgen Klopp and Kevin De Bruyne.
Jurgen Klopp
Doku met with Liverpool and was given a behind-the-scenes tour as a 16-year-old, only for the teenager to decide to remain with his first club Anderlecht.
Reflecting on that experience, the teenager's father David told Het Nieuwsblad: “Jurgen Klopp explained how he saw a potential successor to Sadio Mane in Jeremy.
“At the age of 16, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, Ajax and PSV were interested. We then visited clubs like Liverpool and Ajax. My preference was Liverpool.
“Steven Gerrard showed us videos with tactical analysis. At the training complex [Simon] Mignolet, Mane and [Georginio] Wijnaldum came to talk to us. How we were received there - damn!”
Kevin De Bruyne
Doku was handed his senior international debut with Belgium at the age of just 18 as a late substitute in September 2020.
Three days later, the winger scored his first goal in a victory over Iceland, and made two starts for his country at Euro 2020.
When asked about the decision to callup the teenager, Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne told reporters: "He is nimble, fast and he can dribble.
"Of course, he sometimes makes a mistake, but who doesn't? He is a diamond in the rough."
Nicolas Holveck
The Rennes president addressed the topic of Doku's future with the media ahead of Euro 2020, insisting it would take a substantial offer for the club to even consider a sale.
Holveck said: “Looking at his potential, it’s possible that he will be solicited with offers this summer, but it’s clear that he’ll be with us next season.
“If there’s an offer of €100m, we’ll consider it.”
Julien Stephan
The former Rennes boss joined Klopp in comparing Doku's career trajectory to Mane.
Stephan told reporters: “I don’t like making comparisons, but he reminds me of the case of Sadio Mane at Metz, where he scored just two goals.
“He’s only 18 and we want him to be ultra-decisive now. If he was, he wouldn’t be at Rennes.
“He’s a worker and someone seeking to make himself better. He has room for improvement and we all see him working to improve.”
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