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Report: Newcastle scouts watched Genk wonderkid Leon Bailey on Sunday – but he was sent off

Leon Bailey (Reuters)
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Newcastle United remain keen on Genk duo Leon Bailey and Wilfred Ndidi.

According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United scouts were in Belgium on Sunday to watch Genk duo Leon Bailey and Wilfred Ndidi – but they may not have been too impressed.

The Magpies suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon, meaning that whilst Rafael Benitez’s side are still favourites for the title, there is still plenty of work to do this season.

Leon Bailey at Racing GenkLeon Bailey at Racing Genk

Whether it’s to seal promotion or to prepare for the Premier League, Newcastle will be hoping to bring in new signings in January, with scouts looking at potential transfer targets.

The Chronicle report that Newcastle had representation at Genk’s game against Oostende on Sunday afternoon, with the Magpies eyeing up two stars from Europa League side Genk.

Leon BaileyLeon Bailey

It’s claimed that Newcastle were eyeing up midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and winger Leon Bailey, both of whom have been touted as wonderkids having starred in Belgium.

However, Newcastle may not have been left too impressed. Not only did Oostende run riot over Genk with a 6-0 victory, but Ndidi was booked and Bailey was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.

Wilfred NdidiWilfred Ndidi

It was a miserable afternoon for Genk, and Newcastle’s transfer targets, but one afternoon shouldn’t change the Magpies’ intentions with the two players in question.

Nigerian ace Ndidi, 19, has starred for Genk in a holding midfield role and looks to have a big future ahead of him, whilst Jamaican winger Bailey – also 19 – is one of the most exciting teenagers in Europe, and both would be major coups for Newcastle if they can land them in January or next summer.

Would you like to see Newcastle move for Bailey and Ndidi?