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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for eastern European wonderkids Filip Benkovic and Ante Coric - according to reports in Croatia.

A report in Sportske Novosti suggests that United have had an offer of around £25million turned down for the duo by Croatia Zagreb.

They claim that sources close to Croatian club’s management team have told them of Newcastle’s interest.

Coric has been dubbed as the next Luka Modric in his home country with the attacking midfielder linked with a host of big clubs in recent times.

Having been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City a switch to Newcastle seems fanciful at the moment given United’s Championship status, especially as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea have also failed to sign him in the past.

He once spoke of his aim to play for Barca and said: “Step by step, I’ll get there and play for Barcelona one day.

“That has always been my dream, that is my goal as a footballer.”

The 19-year-old also revealed he turned down Liverpool in the summer and said: “I am happy such big clubs want me, but I want to play with my favourite team in the Champions League .

“It was up to me to decide, all I needed to do was a medical, but I want to stay at Dinamo, where I can give a lot more.”

Centre-back Benkovic, also 19, has been linked with Celtic in the past and has made 45 appearances at first team level for Zagreb.

United have boosted their scouting network lately with the appointment of Paul Baker as European scout.

And there were reports last weekend that Mike Ashley favoured signing young players with sell on value.

Even then, this would a major coup for the Magpies if they managed to pull it off.