Newcastle preparing £35m swoop for Greek wonderkid but will have to beat Man Utd, Liverpool and Bayern to transfer
NEWCASTLE are weighing up a swoop for Greek wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas.
Genk’s 17-year-old attacker announced himself on the world stage by becoming Greece’s youngest starter and goalscorer against Scotland last month.
His exploits for club and country have attracted the attention of Europe’s top guns and Toon’s scouts were there to watch that in person at Hampden.
Now Newcastle are readying for a fight with Bayern Munich to sign him.
The winger, comfortable on either flank or as No10, has a £35million release clause in his contract at the Belgian club.
Karetsas, born in Belgium to Greek parents, fits the player profile that Toon are chasing and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has a proven track record of nurturing young talents.
Even though he already has fellow left-footers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes in his squad, the versatile ace is just at home on the right.
And providing competition for in-form Jacob Murphy, 30, on that flank is a key priority for Howe.
Following three-consecutive windows without any major big-money buys and battling PSR issues, Newcastle do have cash to spend this summer.
And the transfer kitty provided by their Saudi owners could also be bolstered if the Carabao Cup winners go on to finish in the top five and seal Champions League qualification.
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Karestas, who grew up idolising Brazilians Neymar and Ronaldinho, penned a new contract until 2027 in November but his release clause makes him an attractive and affordable proposition.
Bayern are believed to be huge admirers and have already decided to make their move.
And it may turn into a transfer slugfest with Italians Napoli getting involved in a bidding war.
While reports from Italy and Greece also claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both been impressed with what they’ve seen from their own scouting missions.
Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are also said to have sent scouts for Greece’s 3-0 victory in the Nations League at Hampden Park.