NEWCASTLE are close to making Gambian whizkid Yankuba Minteh their first signing of the summer.
The winger is set to join the Magpies from Danish club Odense for £6million and is seen as a star for the future.
Minteh, 18, is due on Tyneside over the next few days for a medical before he is expected to be sent out on loan next season.
The youngster started his career at Steve Biko FC in Gambia, moving to Denmark last July.
He made 17 appearances last season, scoring four goals and providing six assists.
His arrival mirror’s the signing of Garang Kuol, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hearts following his arrival from Australia’s Central Coast Mariners.
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The Aussie struggled in Scotland, starting just one league game, and is set for another loan next term.
He said: “People look at the game time as a negative, and obviously it’s not ideal.
“At the end of the day, what I’m doing in training every day is what makes me a better player.
“A lot of people look past that, look at the game time and they make it a whole negative story.
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“I’m very happy that I came here – I’ve met some wonderful people and hopefully I can just keep developing.”
Minteh’s capture is part of Newcastle’s recruitment policy to sign up some of the world’s most exciting young talent.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk