Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race for Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus, who is starring for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.

The 22-year-old has scored twice for his country at the tournament in Qatar, netting a brace in the 3-2 victory over South Korea last time out in Group H.

Kudus has also been in impressive form for Ajax this season, scoring 10 goals and registering two assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.

The attacker has managed five goals in 14 Eredivisie appearances, while he netted four goals and registered two assists in six outings in the group stage of the Champions League.

Kudus has a contract in Amsterdam until June 2025, but there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future with the Eredivisie champions.

Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff has confirmed that the Catalan outfit are tracking Kudus, while Liverpool are also believed to be considering moving for him next year.

According to 90min, there is also genuine interest from Newcastle, with the Magpies now able to compete for the most in-demand players in world football due to their recent takeover.

Eddie Howe's side are currently in the mix for a Champions League spot for the 2023-24 campaign, sitting third in the Premier League table, boasting 30 points from their opening 15 matches.

Kudus recently said that he was "really close" to joining Everton over the summer.

"I was really close to joining Everton. I thought it was a good project for me and I felt I should try it. It wasn't like this season was my first (at Ajax), it was my third," he told Star Connect on Joy TV.

"So if I'm not getting the progress I'm looking for, then why not try something else?

"I spoke to [Frank] Lampard. I had a chat with him to find out the project they had for me, what he thought about me and how he saw me as a player, because definitely that would be the green light for me to decide whether I wanted to move. Without the coach, there is nothing."

Kudus started his professional career with Danish outfit Nordsjaelland, scoring 14 goals and registering three assists for the club ahead of a switch to Ajax.

The Ghana international has managed 15 goals and six assists in 63 appearances for his current side, which has included four goals and two assists in nine outings in the Champions League. body check tags ::