By Matthew Jones
December 11 2004

Various sources are today linking Newcastle United with Bologna midfielder, Mourad Meghni. There are pieces in Corrie Della Sera, Gazzetta, La Stampa and La Republica - all foreign papers, but usually very trustworthy. Meghni, born 16 April 1984, was noticed by Bologna scouts whilst playing for the French U/15 side. He has been thought of as "the Zidane of 2010" which shows how highly he is regarded. Although he has an Algerian background, he chose to play for France and was at the Clarefontaine academy before joining Bologna.

He netted twice for France at the European U/16 Championship in 2001 but they lost to Spain in the final. Helped France win the 2001 World U/17 Championships.

Giuseppe Gazzoni has said he will do everything he can to keep hold of Meghni, saying: "The boy has great talent, but we won't let him leave in January.

"There is interest from foreign teams, but no offer has arrived that we would consider serious."

That was yesterday though. Today a quote from a representative said: "We will look at what is best for Mourad, several clubs are interested and serious bids have come from Fulham and Newcastle.

“Perhaps he won’t leave in January, but in the summer it may be possible.”

It is also believed that Juventus are interested in the wonder kid, although only time will tell.