A key part of Newcastle’s current transfer strategy under sporting director Paul Mitchell is to pursue hidden gems with immense potential from some of the world’s lesser-watched leagues.

Ahead of a summer transfer window where we may look avoid paying Premier League premiums where possible, it makes sense to scour the world for top young talent ready to make the step up without setting us back £40m-plus.

And according to one new report, we may have just found the next young star to join us in the summer…

Newcastle show ‘genuine interest’ in Belgian league star

Newcastle are thought to be eyeing up a summer move for highly-rated Genk midfielder Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.

Transfermarkt report that a number of clubs have been extensively scouting Bangoura, but claims it is Newcastle who are showing ‘genuine interest’.

At just 21-years-old, the towering Guinean specialises as a defensive midfielder and has featured for Genk in the Pro League on over 30 occasions.

Bangoura is considered a player of ‘huge potential’, possessing the sort of athleticism that makes him ‘perfectly suited to the Premier League’, writes Transfermarkt.

With European football returning to St James’ Park next season, it should come as no surprise that we’re keen to strengthen our midfield this summer.

Whilst the well-established trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes will likely contest the bulk of the league and continental fixtures, the potential departure of Sean Longstaff and uncertainty around Joe Willock’s future opens the door for a new arrival.

The Belgian league has proven to be a particular hotbed for young talent in recent seasons, with Youri Tielemans, Jonathan David and Jeremy Doku all making a name for themselves in the division.

Sporting Director plays down release clause claims

With such speculation over a move for Bangoura, reports have hinted that the midfielder has a release clause worth €17m.

However, Genk’s Sporting Director Dimitri De Conde claims that this isn’t the case, saying: “There’s interest from English Premier League clubs. I’ve read articles online claiming there is a €17m release clause but that’s not accurate.”

With Transfermarkt later stating that a fee around €15m could be enough to get Genk to considering selling, this may be the sort of low-cost, low-risk move Mitchell pushes for this summer as we look to spend the bulk of our funds on a right-winger, striker, centre-back and goalkeeper this summer.