Reliable source reveals FIVE strikers on Rafa Benitez’s shortlist this summer

The Chronicle – Newcastle United’s media partner – have today revealed five strikers on Rafa Benitez’s shortlist this summer, confirming  that Bas Dost, Michy Batshuayi, Joshua King,  Islam Slimani and Mattia Destro are all under consideration.

There is little doubt that we are in dire need of a proven goalscorer this summer, and the above selection of alleged striker targets is an interesting mix.

Starting with Bas Dost. The 6ft 5′ giant appears to be a long-standing target of ours. He was heavily linked with a move to Tyneside during his time at Wolfsburg, however an astonishing 36 goals for Sporting Lisbon last season means he is unlikely to come cheap.

Then to Michy Batshuayi, the Chelsea striker Benitez has enquired about over a potential loan deal. The Belgian would be a real coup, but The Chronicle suggest that any loan deal may not be sanctioned until later in the window, with Chelsea looking for striker reinforcements before they can allow him to leave.

It is then stated that Bournemouth’s Joshua King is another ‘under consideration’. Bournemouth are a club on the up, but the arrival of Jermaine Defoe could see King lose his first team slot, despite his impressive 15-goal haul last season. He wouldn’t come cheap, however.

Islam Slimani and Mattia Destro are the final two strikers mentioned by The Chronicle, with the pair said to have been discussed in transfer meetings.

The powerful Slimani looks set to become available once Leicester confirm the £25m signing of Kelechi Iheanacho and could be worth a look should they be willing to accept considerably less than the £30m paid for him just last summer.

Finally, Destro – who has been catching the eye for Bologna in Serie A, and has some pedigree after scoring 29 goals in 68 games during a spell at Roma.

Some interesting options. Personally, an ambitious move for goal-machine Bas Dost would be my favoured option if a loan deal for Batshuayi proved unfeasible.

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