Newcastle United are continuing to scout Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Magpies are keeping tabs on the exciting Venezuelan talisman who is on a substantial list of potential targets for the January transfer window.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle’s head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, has established excellent links in the MLS after securing the signature of Miguel Almiron from the same club in January.
Martinez has been in irresistible form for the American side this season, scoring 26 goals in 27 games, and has managed a goal in 15 consecutive matches in the past few months.
OPINION
Should Newcastle be able to secure the signing of Martinez in January they would surely go a long way to securing their Premier League survival. Right now with Joelinton struggling in-front of goal, the Magpies are crying out for a striker who can deliver consistent goals. The Venezuelan forward currently has the best record in terms of consecutive strikes, and clearly knows his way to the back of the net. The 26-year-old has averaged 4.1 shots on goal per game this season according to WhoScored and isn’t afraid to pull the trigger when he finds space. Martinez is also good friends with Almiron, his former teammate, and frequently sends messages to the Paraguayan on his personal Instagram account – something which could be a deciding factor if the Atlanta man is faced with a decision on his future in January. As well as the player having strong links with Newcastle, Nickson also has created links with MLS sides, and his partnership with Atlanta after securing the signing of Almiron could be key to any potential deal in the future.
