Newcastle United were taking a look at Netherlands star Cody Gakpo before his World Cup heroics.
Indeed Chronicle Live understands that the club's interest in Gakpo was in place before the takeover went through but scouts have continued to monitor the 23-year-old's progress both in Qatar and in the Dutch season this term.
Yet as Newcastle look to improve in every department he is on a long list of potential signings as Eddie Howe looks to intensify the club's knowledge on talent around the world.
READ MORE: The World Cup star who could bolster Newcastle United's top-four prospects
And the Magpies know they'd face stiff competition to land the left winger. Both Manchester United and Liverpool have interest in the €50million-rated star and PSV Eindhoven are in a strong position to name their price after agreeing a new contract with Gakpo only in January.
Speaking in the summer about a possible move to the Premier League, Gakpo said: "There are also other options, Man United are a serious option." Although, Man United's interest in Gakpo came before they signed Antony from Ajax for a huge €95million fee.
Gakpo has grabbed three goals in Qatar and Louis Van Gaal has heaped praise on the 23-year-old. The Dutch boss said: "Things can change but Cody has everything it takes to become a star. He has a wonderful personality to become a star player because he is open minded to anything and everything.
"Cody is a very young player - he is 23 but looks younger. He has only been playing with PSV for two, three years and always played from the left. He did not want to play in the centre or at 10, but he did have to for me. Now he thinks I am a great head coach!"
READ NEXT
-
Newcastle United scouts to glean World Cup as Magpies monitor Leandro Trossard
-
Nick Pope reveals key sign he spotted just days after joining Newcastle United
-
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea ratings as Nick Pope and Joe Willock lead the way in huge Chelsea win
- Eddie Howe salutes his cup heroes but admits Newcastle United were 'disjointed'
- Eddie Howe's verdict as Newcastle United need penalties to keep cup dream alive
