Barcelona, Chelsea and Newcastle United are targeting A-League whizkid Garang Kuol.

The 17-year-old burst onto the scene with Central Coast Mariners last season.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Newcastle are 'front of the queue' in the race to sign Kuol.

Barca sporting director Jordi Cruyff also held talks with the Mariners over a fortnight ago.

Due to FIFA rules, Kuol can only be transferred after his 18th birthday, which comes in two weeks time.

Kuol and his family are weighing up which club would provide him the best pathway to first-team football.