Newcastle plot move for Kevin Zefi

Newcastle have opened talks with Inter Milan for a potential signing of Kevin Zefi, the 18-year-old Irishman playing in Italy for the Inter youth side. The former Shamrock Rovers winger caught the eye three years ago while appearing for the Irish club's second string side, and a move to Inter followed. Newcastle are preparing a reported 15 million euro bid for the Dublin-born winger.

Zefi has appeared for the Republic of Ireland's youth teams at every level, and most recently appeared for the under-19 side. It is understood that Newcastle see the player as a hot prospect for the future, and want to sign Zefi down to a long-term deal as soon as possible before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

Zefi is comfortable playing anywhere in attack, but his preferred position is as a second striker or attacking midfielder, and Zefi has an impressive 16 goals in 14 games for Inter Milan's under 18 side playing just behind a striker.

It is understood that Newcastle's owners have tasked the club's hierarchy to acquire the best young talent in the world and have bankrolled the club an estimated £200 million to fund that ambition.