OPINION
Newcastle United fans must be growing increasingly frustrated this summer over the lack of transfer activity and will be desperate for a few additions well before the new season starts.
The Magpies have to now look to consolidate their place back in the top flight and impressed on their return to the Premier League in the recent season.
However, moving for a new centre-forward this summer is a no-brainer for Rafael Benitez’s side after struggling in front of goal for large spells.
One man that should crop up on the St James’ Park radar is Jay Rodriguez, who was unfortunately relegated from the Premier League with West Brom.
The Daily Mail reports in its live transfer blog (4:35pm, 19 June) that Burnley have seen an opening bid of £12million rejected for the centre-forward.
Newcastle should now look to capitalise by hijacking interest in the 28-year-old and submitting an improved offer to try sign him from the Baggies.
The modern transfer market surely means that the Magpies will get close to breaking their record of £16million for Michael Owen from 2001 in the near future and it makes sense for it to be on a goalscoring attacker.
Rodriguez should tick a lot of boxes for Benitez given his experience at the top level and he was also capped once for England at senior level during his time with Southampton.
He was one of the shinning light for West Brom with 11 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions in the recent season and could definitely hit double figures in a Newcastle shirt.
