The Chronicle state that Newcastle are currently focusing on the signing of a central midfielder and winger, but claim that Benitez will step his striker search over the coming weeks and is keeping tabs on La Liga duo Willian Jose and Cedric Bakambu.
Newcastle are in dire need of goals next season and whilst domestic targets such as Andre Gray and Tammy Abraham have been looked at, Rafa could be wise to look to his homeland for a new striker.
Willian Jose is the first name mentioned by the Chronicle. The 6ft 1′ Brazilian bagged 14 goals and 4 assists for Real Sociedad in La Liga last season and is also a good age at 25.
The other name is 26-year-old Cedric Bakambu who has also shone in La Liga, scoring 34 goals in two seasons Villareal. The Congolese forward wouldn’t come cheap however, with West Ham seeing a £21.7m bid rejected for him earlier this summer.
Two names to watch as Newcastle prepare to step up their striker hunt in the coming weeks.
