Reported Newcastle United interest in three Premier League strikers

According to a report in the Chronicle, Newcastle will look to sign TWO strikers, with Premier League experience. Rafa Benitez knows more than anybody that having somebody that can put the ball in the net is absolutely crucial in the Premier League. In fact, many would say that the difference between the club staying up and being relegated was down to one man, Jermain Defoe. A man that has scored goals his entire career, and it was those goals that ultimately saved Sunderland and sent Newcastle packing.

Newcastle simply have to do the best they can to guarantee goals at the top level. Some will point out that Dwight Gayle has 21 goals this season, wears the number nine and deserves a proper crack at things next season. Others will say that going into the season with him as first choice is a massive risk.

So, who do the Chronicle think they will look towards?

The first two names mentioned in the piece are Callum Wilson of Bournemouth and Burnley man Andre Gray.

A deal for the former would appear highly unlikely at this stage. After missing most of the season last term with a serious knee ligament injury, Wilson returned to action this campaign, only to suffer the same heartache once more. It will probably be close to Christmas before he can make his latest comeback.

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As for Gray, the chances would be much greater. The former Brentford striker has bagged nine goals during his debut season in the top flight and is apparently on the radar of many clubs. Given the fact that Burnley paid out £10 million for his services back in 2015, it is likely that it would take almost double that to convince them to sell. This is certainly one to watch.

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Then, there was the third name. The man that defenders were once terrified of facing. Daniel Sturridge three years ago was a player worth £40 million plus, but injuries have totally destroyed his career ever since. So much so that the English international has only started five Premier League games for Liverpool this season. Jurgen Klopp will always brush off speculation, but it is clear that he simply is not fond of Sturridge. Even when Roberto Firmino has not been available, it has always been Divock Origi presented with a chance. This has all lead to both parties reportedly accepting that it is best if they part ways in the summer.

The availability of such a talented goal-scorer will be looked at by a host of English clubs, there is no doubt about that. Rafa Benitez will definitely be interested, he would be silly not to be. Fit and firing, the man is simply head and shoulders above anything Newcastle have had in many years. He would be the closest thing they could get to guaranteed goals. It all just comes down to keeping him healthy and having him on the pitch.

Of course, all business for the summer is based on the idea that Newcastle will secure promotion in the last eight games of this Championship season. All we really can say for the moment is let’s just wait and see.