Newcastle close in on Anderlecht's Acheampong

The Magpies have shortlisted the Ghana international as a target ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports

English Premier League side Newcastle United have expressed interest in Ghana and Anderlecht midfielder Frank Acheampong, according to The Sun.

Valued at £5 million by the Magpies after his fine performance in the Europa League, the midfielder is currently on the shortlist of the English outfit ahead of the summer transfer window, the paper said.

Acheampong, 22, stole the headlines last week after bagging an extra-time brace to earn Anderlecht a 2-1 win over Greek side Olympiacos to qualify into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Former Manchester United defender Alexander Buttner has compared Acheampong, his teammate at Anderlecht, with the Red Devils winger Antonio Valencia.

Acheampong has scored five times in five matches, having earlier found the back of the net on three occasions in his last three league appearances.

He has been capped eight times for Ghana, scoring once against Japan in an international friendly in 2013.