Manchester United and Newcastle United both monitoring Ajax defender Jorthy Mokio | OneFootball

Manchester United and Newcastle United are both interested in signing Ajax defender Jorthy Mokio, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Man United and Newcastle are both monitoring the situation of the 17-year-old Belgian as he wants to leave the Eredivisie club.

The Red Devils see Mokio as a player perfect for the direction the Old Trafford club are going, while the Magpies also believe he fits the style of play at the St James’ Park club.

Ajax are hoping to convince the former Gent defender to extend his contract, but he is not convinced and wants to move to a bigger club.

Mokio made his senior debut for the Belgium national team in March and has played over 50 games as a professional.

A move to Man United or Newcastle would appeal to him, but breaking into the first-team at either Premier League club could prove tricky right now given the options available to their respective managers.

Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on Mokio and could convince him with their track record of developing young players.

While Man United manager Ruben Amorim and his Newcastle counterpart Eddie Howe have also never hesitated to play youngsters who prove themselves, the pressure of the Premier League could come too soon for the Belgian.

His international teammate and Manchester City Jeremy Doku is currently tearing defences apart in the Premier League, which would give him some confidence as he eyes a switch to England.

However, the 23-year-old Man City winger spent three seasons in Ligue 1 perfecting his craft and did not hit the ground running in the English top-flight until after several months.

Mokio may need to ply a similar career route if he wants to succeed and become a top defender in the Premier League.

He can also play as a defensive midfielder and left-back, featuring in both positions already this term, and his versatility and huge potential will continue to attract the bigwigs.