Magpies always on the lookout for new talent
NEWCASTLE United’s recruitment team continue to scour Europe for talent - but they are also looking a little closer to home.
While Rafa Benitez and his Magpies first-team squad arrived at Carton House in the Republic of Ireland ahead of their pre-season training camp on Wednesday, United scouts were taking in a Europa League qualifier just across the border.
Alongside the Newcastle scout, representatives from Arsenal, Liverpool, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Birmingham City, Celtic and Hearts were in attendance in Northern Ireland for Glenavon’s 2-1 first-round qualifying victory over Norwegian outfit Molde.
The Magpies’ recruitment team regularly take in matches across the Continent and in the United Kingdom, sometimes in order to scout specific players, and on other occasions in order to see whether there is any talent worth keeping track of.
It is unclear why the Newcastle scout was taking in the match at Mourneview Park, but it is commonplace for members of the Magpies recruitment team to watch European games - even those as low profile as this Europa League firstround qualifier.
Molde are managed by ex-Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while their star striker Erling Braut Haaland – the son of former Manchester City defender Alf-Inge – is reportedly attracting interest from Juventus after scoring 10 goals in 28 league games.