Newcastle United are joined by Southampton and Norwich City in pursuing MK Dons’ teenage striker Recoe Martin as he makes waves at youth level this season, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claim on their website that the 18-year-old hitman has been making waves for his under-18 side this season, most recently scoring five goals in less than 20 minutes to turn around a 2-0 lead for Leyton Orient into a 5-2 victory for his side.
It is stated that with no professional contract signed with MK Dons, he could be up for a bargain compensation packet, making him an attractive young signing to the likes of Newcastle.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Magpies faithful love a striker who sticks away goals for fun but an 18-year-old is hardly going to get the blood pumping just yet.
Martin’s record only comes at under-18 level and it can be difficult to judge the future potential of a player when they are not being tested at a higher level.
Newcastle, as with every big club in the Premier League, are always on the lookout for the next big thing and Martin’s performances for his team’s youth side should not be ignored but there should also not be any sort of expectation placed on his shoulders.
If he keeps scoring regularly, then Newcastle could have a top talent on their hands should they snap him up.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
With no professional contract on the table for the youngster, he seems to be leaving his options wide open and there is no reason Newcastle cannot pounce.
The promise of future first team football will help and with a lack of strikers, not to mention Rafael Benitez’s willingness to bring youngsters into the first team if they deserve it – see Sean Longstaff as an example – that certainly could be on the cards for Martin.
Rival interest will not help their cause though and this is by no means a clear cut situation.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10