OPINION
The number one priority at Newcastle United this summer is a striker, that much has been clear for a long time.
The club’s current options up front simply do not cut it, and a loan spell for Leicester striker Islam Slimani ended in huge disappointment.
The Magpies managed to score just 39 times in 38 games last season, with Rafa Benitez having his solid defence to thank for their tenth-placed finish.
Now that the club have turned their attention to a challenge on the European spots next term, the need for a striker this summer is even further amplified.
And the Magpies do not just need any striker, they need someone who can come in and make an instant impact before scoring between 10 and 15 goals in the Premier League across the season.
There now looks to be a golden chance available for the club to snap up such a striker, and they must move quickly to make it happen.
As reported by BBC Sport, Liverpool striker Danny Ings is preparing to leave the club this summer as he hunts regular first-team football.
The broadcaster report that Liverpool want to keep hold of the 25-year-old, but manager Jurgen Klopp respects his decision and will not hold out for a prohibitive fee.
That last claim is key here, with Newcastle needing a deal which is provides value in both a footballing and a financial sense, with owner Mike Ashley not prepared to spend big this summer.
Considering Ings joined Liverpool for about £8million in 2015, the Anfield club would surely be receptive to striking a deal around the £15million mark.
In today’s market you would be hard-pressed to find such a good deal, with Ings having vast Premier League experience and a good eye for goal.
That would please all involved at St. James’ Park, with Benitez getting a quality striker and Ashley not breaking the bank or the club’s transfer record.
It is a deal which ticks all the boxes on Tyneside, and they must now move fast to make it a reality as other clubs inevitably line up their own moves for Ings.
