Not the first name that pops to mind, but should Newcastle make a move for Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga?
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
It is widely believed that Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has made signing at least one new striker a priority this summer.
Benitez is looking to strengthen his Magpies squad following their return to the Premier League after winning the Championship title and attack is a particular area to focus on.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring their second goal
Dwight Gayle finished the 2016/17 season as the division’s top-scorer, but doubts still remain over whether he can cut it in the top flight after failing to do so previously with Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, poor goal returns for Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy last term suggests they probably don’t have the quality required; while Ayoze Perez has grown into more of a number ten than an out and out striker.
As a result, Newcastle have been linked with some high profile players, but could they make the shrewd move of bringing a player up with them from the second tier and sign Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga?
Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga celebrates at full time
It would certainly be a gamble for Benitez, not just because the 24-year-old has no Premier League experience but also because he has struggled with injuries during his three years at the City Ground.
Yet currently fit and firing following a late flurry of goals towards the end of the last campaign, Assombalonga’s scoring record suggests he might at least be worth a punt.
Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga scores their first goal
Since arriving from Peterborough United in the summer of 2014 the forward has 30 goals in 69 appearances, including 14 league strikes from just 20 starts this season. To date Assombalonga has 84 career goals in 185 games.
The Forest man may not be the star signing the St James’ Park faithful are expecting, but he could turn out to be the most value for money.
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