Newcastle continue to monitor Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Drena Beljo closely. Club representatives watched the 23-year-old in person again, this time in the Europa League against Sunderland.
Beljo is enjoying a strong season, with 18 goals and six assists in 19 matches.
His figures a year ago were also impressive: 38 goals and six assists across the season.
According to Sportske Novosti, Newcastle regularly send scouts to Croatia to watch the striker.
On Thursday, club representatives took the opportunity presented by Dinamo's visit to the Stadium of Light to watch Beljo in person again.
He played 70 minutes and scored the second goal in a 2-0 win over Sunderland.
Newcastle had previously watched him against Anderlecht, while Beljo has also scored against NEC and the Belgian club in the Europa League.
Newcastle are not the only club interested in the Croatian.
Everton, Leeds, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brentford, Tottenham and Manchester United have previously been linked with the player.
Everton, in particular, could attempt to pursue a deal as early as the winter, according to earlier reports.
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic also recently praised the striker:
“Beljo scores goals, and he showed that against Spain too.
“He reacts very well in the penalty area.
“You should not underestimate his goals in the Croatian league. Every goal matters, especially when your club is expected to dominate.”
English clubs will have another chance to assess Beljo on 12 November, when Croatia play England at Wembley in the Nations League.
The striker's contract with Dinamo runs until 2030.
Transfermarkt values him at €15 million, but according to the Croatian source, his actual price could be €20–30 million or even higher.
None of the English clubs have entered active negotiations yet.
