Newcastle United now looking at £16m 'rising star' from Bundesliga 2 side - Sky Sports

Newcastle United are amongst a host of English clubs looking at one of Germany's hottest prospects according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Hertha BSC currently play in Bundesliga 2 and are chasing promotion back to the top flight, but if they fail to do so, there will be plenty of clubs knocking on the door enquiring about 18-year-old Ibrahim Maza.

The German-born Algeria international has caught the eye of several Premier League sides according to Plettenberg who credited Newcastle with an interest in Maza along with Fulham, Brentford, West Ham, Southampton, Wolves and Leicester.

The attacking midfielder has four goals and two assists in 14 appearances so far this season.

Ibrahim Maza would definitely be one for the future for Newcastle

Florian Plettenberg suggests that he could cost between €10m-€20 million (£8m-£16 million) while suggesting that clubs would be more likely to succeed in a move should Hertha fail to grab promotion.

Given his age and inexperience at the top level, if Newcastle are interested it's clear that Maza would be seen as one for the future rather than a youngster who gets dropped into Eddie Howe's first-team squad.

Equally, given his position as an attacking midfielder, there's currently little chance of him breaking into the first team ahead of the more established players.

Ibrahim Maza has a 'high footballing IQ' according to Algeria boss

Algeria boss Vladimir Petkovic recently called up Maza to the senior squad and spoke very highly of his newest addition to FIFA's website.

“He's a talented and technically gifted player with a high footballing IQ, despite his youth".

"His early-season statistics speak volumes about his potential and ability to influence the game with deadly runs and build-up play,"