NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to beat Chelsea to the signing of Youssoufa Moukoko, although Borussia Dortmund have not given up hope of retaining the teenager, who is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest attacking prospects.

Moukoko, who only turned 18 in November, has scored six goals and claimed six assists in his 22 senior appearances this season, but is due to become a free agent when his current contract with Dortmund expires this summer.

The Bundesliga side have been desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal, but while Borussia sporting director Sebastian Kehl remains hopeful of reaching an agreement, he accepts that time is running out.

“We would obviously like to receive a decision quite promptly,” said Kehl. “It is important for all parties to have clarity.”

Newcastle officials are understood to have flagged up their interest in the Cameroon-born forward, who is a full German international and was part of the Germany squad that crashed out at the group stage at the recent World Cup finals in Qatar.

In an attempt to remain within the parameters of Financial Fair Play regulations, Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth has been prioritising the pursuit of talented youngsters with development potential and the best players from across Europe who are set to become free agents at the end of the season.

Moukoko ticks both boxes, making him especially attractive, and the Newcastle hierarchy have prepared a lucrative long-term offer in an attempt to persuade the youngster to move to Tyneside in either the current transfer window or the summer.

They are aware of strong competition from Chelsea, who have also had Moukoko on their wanted list for a number of months and who are also believed to have initial discussions with senior officials at Borussia Dortmund.

However, with Chelsea on the brink of completing a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, the London club’s main transfer focus in the last few weeks has been elsewhere, enabling Newcastle to make their own move for Moukoko.