The Daily Star have claimed that Newcastle United may consider swooping for Serie A star Dries Mertens during the summer.
Mertens is a key player for current club Napoli and has bagged 24 goals from 35 games for his club this season. However with this contract expiring in 2018, a sale could be on the cards especially, as the contract renewal has been signed as yet.
The report added that Manchester United are also interested in luring Mertens and the Belgian international is set to have met with Red Devils representatives last week.
Mertens is a quality player and Manchester United will probably have the upper hand in the race to sign him, considering that he will most likely favor a club where he can play amongst stars and challenge for silverware.
Benitez and Merten’s will however know each other well considering that the 29 year old became the Spaniard’s first signing during his time as manager of Napoli in a €9.5 million deal.
