OPINION
Rafa Benitez is doing all he possibly can to build an effective academy set-up at Newcastle United, with the club’s youth system not producing enough talent in recent years.
Paul Dummett is the only player who features regular for the first-team who came through the ranks at the club, and that is simply not a good enough return for the Magpies.
Benitez has made it clear that he wants changes to be made at that level at St. James’ Park, with a huge overhaul of personnel happening over the summer.
The club are in the process of trying to bring in some more young talent, and there is one player who they must now pull out all the stops to sign.
As reported by France Football, Middlesbrough are trying to get young star Bilal Brahimi to sign professional terms, with his current deal running out in 2019.
The 18-year-old French star, who can play on the wing and up front, is being tracked by the Magpies, with RB Leipzig and Rennes also in the hunt.
The chance to snap such a highly-rated young talent up for just a small fee at the end of his deal does not come around often, and Newcastle must do all they can to convince Brahimi to make the switch from their north east rivals.
The youngster has been dazzling for the Boro youth teams for well over a year now, and made his debut for their senior side in the Carabao Cup this season.
This is obviously a player destined for big things, and exactly the kind of figure that the Magpies need to be bringing in to their academy and through to the first-team.
They must now pull out all the stops in their hunt for the 18-year-old, who will inevitably make them regret it if they do not.
