International games provide an avenue for clubs to keep tabs on highly-rated talents, especially those who are making their maiden appearance for their country.
According to reports, Newcastle United are considering signing new England invitee Jobe Bellingham and will watch him closely over the next week.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been invited to Thomas Tuchel's squad for their UEFA Nations League and is likely to make his senior debut for England.
Jobe Bellingham to cross Wear-Tyne divide?
According to Football Insider, Newcastle are prepared to launch an assault to sign Bellingham if they are impressed with him after this month's international window.
The Magpies will be weighing up a move for the central midfielder, who has already represented Sunderland earlier in his career before he moved to Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham has impressed in Germany this season, appearing 15 times across all competitions for his club and providing three assists.
The youngster could be willing to return to England and experience playing in the Premier League for the first time in his career.
He was strongly linked with a move to Crystal Palace after he decided to leave Sunderland, but he immediately moved abroad to play for Dortmund.
After making 64 appearances so far in Germany, a move to the Premier League may beckon for the youngster, with several sides interested.
Newcastle scouts have been keeping a rigorous watch on him, tracking his every development across league and cup fixtures, and are leading the hunt for his signature.
He is viewed as an ideal stylistic fit for their high-intensity, vertical pressing system under Matthias Jaissle, and securing a player of his calibre would represent a major statement of intent for Newcastle's long-term project at St James' Park.
England debut first, then possible Premier League switch
The timing of Newcastle's intensified scouting mission coincides with another major milestone in Bellingham's career: his impending breakthrough into the senior England international picture.
The younger Bellingham has played for his country across multiple age groups, and his maturity has caught the attention of national team boss Tuchel.
His footballing education and journey so far is proof of his maturity, having stepped out of the academy setup at Birmingham City where he came through shortly after his older brother Jude.
He moved permanently to Sunderland to secure regular senior minutes, evolving into an indispensable driving force in central midfield.
His ability to shield the backline and break opposition defensive lines with powerful vertical carries makes him suited to Newcastle's style, particularly if he is being looked at as a possible replacement for Joe Willock.
These qualities of his are the same ones that earned him a place in Tuchel's squad, and a senior debut for his country will only accelerate his profile on the European stage, possibly driving up his valuation.
The Magpies are prepared to act quickly if an opening appears to sign him, possibly in the January transfer window.
