Report: Newcastle to battle both Manchester clubs for 'new Jude Bellingham'

Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United are all set to battle it out this summer for young Schalke sensation.

NewcastleWorld are reporting that Manchester City have now entered the race for Newcastle target Assan Ouedraogo who is also on the radar of City's bitter rivals Manchester United.

Ouedraogo has been on Newcastle's list for a while with Atalanta the last team we reported on looking to challenge the Magpies for his signature.

The 17-year-old made his breakthrough into Schalke's first team this season and has been turning heads ever since, even earning himself a spot on the NXGN Top 50 Wonderkids list this year.

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Ouedraogo's versatility is a big selling point

Ouedraogo has played in practically every midfield slot for Schalke this season in his 16 appearances, bagging two goals and two assists.

Schalke will be hoping they can get a decent price for the youngster with their dire financial position. The former Champions League semi-finalists have dropped a long way since reaching that level. The COVID-19 pandemic almost took them off the board completely and the club, now struggling in Germany's second division are in over £150million of debt.

Selling one of their prize assets may be their only real way out so they will certainly be open to offers for the player who has already been likened to Jude Bellingham.

Schalke's head coach has tried to play down the exit rumours

So far Newcastle haven't faired well when trying to bring in young players ahead of 'bigger' clubs and so will face quite the battle to convince Ouedraogo to join us over City and Man United, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility.

Schalke boss, Karel Geraerts tried to play down rumours of Ouedraogo's possible departure, but it's a decision that could be taken out of his hands by the board if the money is too good to turn down.

“Assan is an outstanding player and a big talent, that’s certain. There are many rumours surrounding his name, and the clubs he is being linked to, but that is normal in football.

“As a coach, it is most important for me to have good conversations with him to ensure that he feels comfortable, and to guide him on his journey. We can’t forget that he is still very young. But right now, everything is going very well for him.”