OPINION
Newcastle are reportedly one of the teams that have made contact for Liverpool forward Divock Origi.
Kristof Terreur, who covers the Premier League for Belgian publication HLN, reported on his personal Twitter account that the Magpies are one of several teams to be in touch for the 22-year-old.
It is understood that Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, Crystal Palace and Tottenham have also made a move for the Belgium international.
The report details that the Liverpool fringe player would also be interested in a move to Monaco if he can get regular football, but there has been no decision made yet.
Other teams that have been in touch for Origi: Marseille, Leverkusen, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Spurs.
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) August 29, 2017
Origi is a powerhouse striker that has brilliant pace and strength, but he has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield under this season.
Good move for Newcastle?
Origi would be an excellent addition to the Newcastle squad and Rafael Benitez should be looking to try wrap up a deal, whether its a loan or permanent one.
The Magpies are going to need a prolific goalscorer if they are to stay in the Premier League and its unclear if either Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joselu or Dwight Gayle can score 10-15 league goals to keep them up.
Origi has the ability to be the first-choice striker at St James’ Park and would bring some extra quality to the side.
He has a decent record of 21 goals in 77 appearances for Liverpool, but his strike record would be even greater if he spent more minutes on the pitch.
Some of Newcastle’s signings have been underwhelming this summer, but this would be a real signal of intent if they landed Origi.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle will have the edge of offering regular first-team football and the pull of world-class manager in Benitez.
However, there are so many teams in the race to sign Origi that it will be difficult to sign the Belgian, with some big names chasing him.
The Telegraph have reported that Liverpool are wiling to sell Origi on a permanent basis in this transfer window and Newcastle could be blown away financially by some rivals.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10