Newcastle United Want £11 Million Rated Serie A Star

Newcastle United are in the market for a striker, with Rafael Benitez reportedly identifying his man.

The Spanish boss currently has the likes of Joselu, Dwight Gayle, among others, at his disposal.

While drafting in Leicester City's Islam Slimani on loan during the January transfer window.

But he's keen on bolstering his attacking line in the summer, and he's prepared to splash out £11 million for a Serie A star.

Reports in Italy via Tutto Mercata Web claim Newcastle are set to table £8.9 million, plus £1.8 million in bonuses, for Bologna's Mattia Destro.

Destro celebrates scoring for Bologna. Image: PA

Destro, 26, has only bagged five league goals this season though is attracting interest from Benitez who is keen on signing him.

However, he faces stiff competition from around the Premier League.

Watford and West Ham United are also eyeing up the striker in view to a summer bid.

Destro competes with Benatia. Image: PA

Destro in action for Bologna. Image: PA

Destro is a Serie A stalwart having enjoyed spells in Italy's top flight with Genoa, Siena, AS Roma and AC Milan on loan.

Yet the Bologna star has had his attitude questioned by manager Roberto Donadoni. As a result, it appears his time in Italy is up.

Joselu celebrates scoring a goal for Newcastle. Image: PA

Slimani in action for the Foxes. Image: PA

While Benitez monitors Destro's situation, he's also expressed a desire to sign Slimani on a permanent deal.

Destro to St. James Park? Watch this space.

Topics: Football News, Football, Premier League, Newcastle United

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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