Newcastle United now reportedly keen on 18-year-old who made Champions League debut against Magpies this season

The January transfer window is so close we can almost smell it, and Newcastle United aren't likely to let this one pass by without an addition or two.

Newcastle's questionable form this season has given some cause for concern, and Eddie Howe and Ross Wilson will be hoping that adding a player or two to the ranks could be enough to steady the ship.

AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit is still high on Newcastle's list this January, but in reality, it's going to be a hard deal to do with so many other clubs keen on the 19-year-old. He's likely to wait until the summer before making any big decision.

He's not the only young midfielder who has caught Newcastle's eye, though, and now Foot Mercato has named the Magpies, along with Chelsea and Arsenal, with an interest in Marseille's Darryl Bakola.

Darryl Bakola must have impressed Newcastle's recruitment team

The 18-year-old came up against Newcastle in the recent Champions League clash, picking up an assist during the game as well as a yellow card for a ludicrous dive to try and win a penalty.

Overall, though, Bakola did exceptionally well when coming up against the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and he clearly caught the eye of the Magpies' recruitment staff.

Bakola has made eight first-team appearances for Marseille this season, with his one goal contribution coming in that game against Newcastle.

We're still taking this one with a pinch of salt

Having seen him in action, we can say that we were impressed with the youngster, except for that ridiculous dive that earned him a booking.

We will say, though, that the report originates in France and names three Premier League clubs, so it could be an agent-driven story to try and secure Bakola a better deal at Marseille following his breakthrough.

We won't have to wait much longer now to find out who our genuine January targets are.