Newcastle reportedly keen on African striker; Will cost club record fee

According to The Mirror, Newcastle United are interested in signing Cedric Bakambu from Villarreal, but they will have to set a new club record if they want the transfer to go through.

Reportedly, the Spanish side have already rejected an initial £22 million bid from West Ham, and Rafa Benitez will have to break the bank if he wants to make a deal with Villarreal.

However, the Magpies are in urgent need of reinforcements, and their only signing this summer was the 25-year-old winger Christian Atsu from Chelsea.

Bakambu could be a great solution for Newcastle since he has an eye for goal, and his technique and athleticism would allow him to easily adjust to the Premier League. The French-born Congo international is keen on a move to England.

Newcastle United record regarding transfer is now 12 years old and goes all the way back to the time when they brought Michael Owen from Real Madrid for £16 million.