Premier League clubs have made contact with £12m Newcastle target likened to Michael Essien

Newcastle United are one of many clubs keeping tabs on Schalke 04's wonderkid Assan Ouedraogo as the midfielder weighs up his options this summer.

The 18-year-old is currently assessing his next move which could include staying put at Schalke or making a move to one of many interested clubs.

Newcastle have been linked with Ouedraogo for a while with Sky Sports Deutschland seemingly confident of the Magpies' interest in the youngster who was likened to Chelsea legend Michael Essien by Bundesliga.com.

“While he may not quite possess the passing range of Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso, Schalke’s starlet likes to drop deep and build attacks from there.

“However, he is at his best when using his explosive pace and power to break the lines like Essien did at his peak, and his goalscoring record suggests he could add goals to his game as well.”

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Ouedraogo's father claims there are many clubs interested

Ouedraogo's father has been speaking to Sky Sports Deutschland about his son's future, and while he doesn't name Newcastle specifically, he claims there has been contact by Premier League clubs.

“The financial aspect isn’t crucial, but primarily the idea and trust of the future coach and those responsible. We continue to work together with Schalke to find a great solution for the club and for Assan. I can assure you of that.

“We haven’t yet made a commitment to any club. What we can confirm is that we have received a number of written offers. Not just from Bayern. Many clubs, especially from the Premier League, have dealt very intensively with Assan.

“There are teams from England who would like to sign Assan directly for their professional team in the summer. We will make the right decision as soon as possible.”

Newcastle would have to stand out from the crowd to make this one work

It's believed that it would only take £12million to take Ouedraogo from Schalke should the youngster decide to make a move, but with so many clubs apparently circling, the Magpies would have to put a fairly convincing package together to stand out.

At 18 years old and playing in the Bundesliga 2, it's unlikely that he'd be someone we'd throw straight into our first team, so perhaps a deal which would see him remain at Schalke for another year would suit all parties.

Let's be honest though, he'll end up signing for Chelsea and fading into obscurity like every player we have our eye on.