Newcastle have sent scouts to check on Sunderland pair Joel Asoro and Josh Maja amid uncertainty over their future at the club.

Sportsmail can reveal that the Magpies have been watching the teenage strikers in recent months, deploying scouts to the Stadium of Light to return reports on the duo - and it is thought they are better than the forwards currently on their books at the same age.

Asoro, 18, and Maja, 19, are out of contract next summer and the Black Cats have offered them new long-term deals, which they remain hopeful of them signing.

Sunderland are at risk of losing teenage duo Joel Asoro (left) and Josh Maja to rivals Newcastle

Boss Chris Coleman has warned the pair that they risk going backwards if they join another club and revert to Under 23 football.

But with the likes of Arsenal and Watford also credited with an interest in recent weeks, it could well be that they are advised to quit Wearside.

Sunderland are on the verge of relegation to League One and Coleman will tell the players that they will develop far more as first-team members at that level next season than they will in the shadows at a top-flight club.

Asoro made his Premier League debut in 2016 but could be playing in League One next season

MAJA AND ASORO SENIOR CV'S Joel Asoro Total appearances: 31 Premier League: 1 Championship: 22 Goals: 2 Assists: 2 Josh Maja Total appearances: 21 Premier League: - Championship: 15 Goals: 2 Assists: 3 Advertisement

Asoro has scored twice from 25 appearances this season but has impressed since making his Premier League debut in 2016. He was shortlisted for the European Golden Boy award last season and is a regular for Sweden Under 21.

He was born in Stockholm to Nigerian parents and has been contacted by the Nigerian Football Federation. He will also be eligible for England in two years' time.

Maja, meanwhile, scored the winning goal on his league debut against Fulham earlier this season, the club he left for Sunderland in 2015.