OPINION
Newcastle United can begin planning towards next season after a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League and most fans agree that the team needs considerably strengthening in one position.
The Magpies have to add some serious firepower ahead of next season in the top flight and manager Rafael Benitez deserves the financial backing from the board to add a high-profile name.
One man that should crop up on their radar is controversial figure Mario Balotelli, who would certainly cause a stir if he returned to the Premier League after previous spells with Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Italian is currently in brilliant form for French outfit Nice and he has scored 24 goals in just 36 appearances across all competitions this season.
He will be available in the summer when his contract expires with the Ligue 1 club and it would be the perfect time for Newcastle to try strike a deal.
Balotelli has been surrounded by off-field controversy in the past, but the 27-year-old could be kept in control by the experienced Benitez.
The pacy centre-forward certainly knows where the goal is when he plays and should feel like there is unfinished business in England.
Newcastle have all the tools at St James’ Park to push for European spots in the coming years, but there has to be a handful of quality signings to the squad in order for that to happen.
Balotelli would definitely fit the mould as a striker entering the peak years of his career and he is the sort of maverick that could win the hearts of the Newcastle supporters if he hit the ground running.
