Newcastle United are interested in signing Bournemouth’s powerhouse forward Josh King in the summer, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claim that Magpies manager Rafa Benitez wants a new No 9 and has made signing the 26-year-old a priority.
The Sun report that King is rated as being worth £20million and that Benitez hopes to get the go ahead from Mike Ashley to invest in players such as the centre-forward.
It is believed that the forward could be tempted into leaving the Cherries if the deal is right, and that the Magpies will be putting together a deal for the club as well as the player shortly.
King has made 30 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side this season, scoring seven goals, while creating three.
Despite naturally being a centre-forward, the 26-year-old has mostly been played as a secondary striker by Howe at Dean Court this season.
King is also capable of playing as a left-winger when called upon.
Good move for Newcastle United?
It would be a brilliant move.
King has bags of pace as well as being a powerful presence upfront and has clearly demonstrated that he understands what it takes to play in the Premier League this season.
Benitez, according to The Sun’s report, thinks King will add more to his current Magpies side and it’s hard to see how that wouldn’t be the case.
Also while £20million does seem like a lot of money for the Magpies to spend, given King’s top-flight experience as well as his age, it would be a good deal for the club.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on whether Ashley is willing to give Benitez the funds to go sign his top transfer targets.
The Magpies failed to spend any money in January, and it’s hard to imagine them spending £20million on one player anytime soon.
While it may be true that King would be tempted to leave Dean Court, it’s hard to see the Magpies having the resources to lure him away.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10