Newcastle United have excelled in the Premier League this season, surpassing their pre-season target of 40 points with a win over Arsenal on Sunday, but Rafael Benitez knows there is still work to do.
The Magpies are looking to make considerable improvements to their attacking options this summer after struggling for consistency in front of goal, with Newcastle netting just 35 times in 33 games so far- a tally only five sides in the top-flight have a worse record than.
That’s led to speculation that West Ham could move for Barcelona outcast Paco Alcacer, with Spanish outlet Sport stating the 13-cap international is being eyed by a number of sides across Europe and within the Premier League.
Whilst the original report doesn’t name the Magpies specifically, TeamTalk speculate that Newcastle, Everton, Tottenham and West Ham are all in the hunt for the 24-year-old striker, who’s endured a difficult two years in Catalonia.
Alcacer has scored nine times in 33 La Liga matches since moving to the club from Valencia in 2016 but the potential capture of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid this summer would reduce his already limited first-team appearances.
His lack of football has also shattered his World Cup chances, with Alcacer last appearing for his nation in 2016 and holding no chance of forcing his way into Julen Lopetegui’s side for this summer’s tournament.
