OPINION
Newcastle are reportedly lining up a late move to sign Leicester forward Islam Slimani.
The Mirror report in their transfer news blog (10:32am, Friday) that the Magpies and Watford are weighing up moves for the 29-year-old.
It is understood that Leicester are open to selling the commanding striker, but want to try recoup most of the £29million they spent on him last summer.
The report details that the Algeria international is frustrated after slipping down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium.
Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki and Kelechi Iheanacho are considered more favourable options, while striker Leonardo Ulloa has also signed a new two-year deal with the Foxes.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle are going to need some more firepower in their side if they are to avoid relegation and another striker should be a priority.
Leicester ace Slimani may not have won over everyone during his first year in England, but is certainly someone that would be a success at St James’ Park.
The striker could lead the line fantastically well for Rafael Benitez’s side and showed in mid-week with two goals against Sheffield United in the cup that he is tidy in front of goal.
He is brilliant in the air and still managed nine goals last season in just 31 games despite some criticism.
Slimani scored a staggering 31 goals for Porto in the 2015/16 campaign and would be the sort of high-profile name to give Newcastle fans a fresh optimism.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Slimani is a name that Newcastle are understandably interested in and it would be no surprise to see them make an official approach.
They want more competition and forward options to help support existing options Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Leicester are also prepared to sell their target man this summer due to a big amount of options, but the major stumbling block on a potential deal will be the asking price.
Newcastle have already shown this window they are not going out to spend the big money on players and they would have to pay in excess of £20million to get this deal over the line.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10