Newcastle United chase Wigan Athletic striker

Newcastle United are still in the hunt to add at least one striker to the squad during the summer transfer window and have now turned their sites to Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone, according to multiple reports.

It's rumored that the 29-year old striker has a £5 million relegation release clause that both the Toon and Everton have triggered as they chase the Ivory Coast forward. Most believe that Kone would prefer to join his former manager at Everton, but the belief is that Newcastle have a good chance of snatching away the striker.

Kone joined WIgan in 2012 for a reported fee of €3.5 million, but is looking to move on and avoid playing in the Championship League. He's been capped 39 times for the Ivory Coast national team, scoring nine goals, and picked up 11 goals and five assists for Wigan in 34 matches last season.

Some feel Kone might be an alternative to signing Darren Bent, whose wages are expected to be a big issue in a move to a new team. Wigan owner Dave Whelan confirmed both the Newcastle and Everton interest in the player, so it seems like Kone will move to whichever team makes the best player offer.

Keep reading:

• NUFC chasing both Darren Bent and James Tomkins

• Newcastle United reported place £12 million bid on Andre-Pierre Gignac

• Hatem Ben Arfa and Newcastle hope to lock up new contract

• Newcastle United make a reported £12 million bid on Wilfried Bony