Newcastle are among the clubs weighing up a move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, according to The Independent.

The website claims that the Magpies are “monitoring” the 18-year-old’s situation, along with Liverpool, Tottenham and Real Madrid.

It is believed that the European champions are the ones likeliest to make a bid for Acheampong, with an approach coming as early as January. They need cover for Dani Carvajal who is sidelined for the long term with an ACL injury.

Liverpool are also considering the teenager as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is coincidentally on Real’s radar too.

What do Newcastle fans need to know about the player?

Acheampong came through Chelsea’s academy, starting out in the club’s Under 8s before making his way up the ranks to the senior setup.

The fullback was handed his first-team debut by manager Mauricio Pochettino against Tottenham in a 2-0 win back in May. Under new head coach Enzo Maresca, Acheampong has gone on to make his second appearance, playing the last 30 minutes of the 5-0 victory against Barrow in the third round of the Carabao Cup last month.

He can be deployed at centre-back if required, but he is most comfortable playing on the right-hand side of defence.

Acheampong could replace Trippier

Kieran Trippier will be out of contract at the end of the season and it is widely believed that the England international will leave on a free transfer when his current deal expires.

With that being the case, the Magpies are expected to target a young player to compete with Tino Livramento for the right-back spot. If they do manage to land Acheampong, it would mean that manager Eddie Howe has three Chelsea academy graduates in full-back positions (including Lewis Hall).

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here