Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is being watched by Newcastle United.

The Evening Chronicle says Newcastle scouted Japanese international full-back Tomiyasu earlier this year after he made an impressive start to life in Italy.

The 21-year-old Japanese international impressed during his first season at Bologna having made the move to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara from Belgian side St Truiden.

Tomiyasu already has 19 international caps under his belt and had attracted interest from all around Europe over the summer.

Bologna, who value him at around €30million according to sources in Italy, were reluctant to sell him, though, as they feel as if his value can increase further after just one year in Northern Italy.