According to the Mirror, Newcastle are keen on signing Burnley striker Ashley Barnes as manager Rafa Benitez wants to recruit one more forward before the summer window closes, should funds allow him.
The Austrian striker has become surplus to requirements at Turf Moor after Chris Wood arrived for a club record £15million on Monday.
Barnes has 2 years left on his current contract, and has largely been a squad player since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2014.
In 33 substitution appearances in 93 league games for the Clarets, the 27-year-old has 14 goals. 6 of those have come in his last 29 Premier League outings, yet he’s not short of suitors.
Huddersfield and Middlesbrough are also said to be interested in Barnes, and his big physical presence up front could offer Newcastle a much-needed threat.
The chance to remain in the topflight should also be alluring. Benitez has already added Joselu to his attack, but desires another option, and Barnes, with all his experience could help stir the Magpies to Premier League safety.