According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Newcastle United have their eye on highly-rated Middlesbrough youngster Bilal Brahimi – the 18-year-old winger who has caught the eye since arriving in England last summer.
The story claims that Everton, Liverpool, Real Betis and Valencia are ‘following his progression’, however the Newcastle link is an interesting one – with Benitez clearly making it his mission to improve our U-23 set up over the coming months.
Bilal – who sports a Coloccini-esque hairstyle – has been impressing in Boro’s U-18 set up since arriving on Teeside. He can play out wide or up top and is known for his electric turn of pace:
Interestingly, he got a goal and assist in their 3-2 win over our U-18 side last October – making me wonder if we’ve been tracking his progress ever since that impressive display.
It looks like there’s plenty Boro fans who have already been impressed by him too. Looks like a potentially brilliant addition to our U-23 set up.
Middlesbrough have a very talented young winger in Bilal Brahimi and boy is he lightening fast too. Really impressive carrying the ball, could be one to watch out for.
— Andy Wales (@AndyArmchair) February 8, 2018
Great result and performance from some talented young @Boro players tonight against Redcar Athletic in the pouring rain. Just about dry now. 7-0 Stephen Walker and Bilal Brahimi look great prospects. #UTB
— Chris Fountain (@ChrisUTB) February 8, 2018
Watched a kid called Bilal #Brahimi today. Lightening quick, tricky winger. Tremendous hair. Impressed. #boro #u18
— Dave Horan (@Dave_Horan2) April 27, 2018