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Report: Newcastle in four-way PL tussle for Rennes striker Mubele

Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James' Par...
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Newcastle are likely to be on the lookout for a new striker in January.

Newcastle United's Spanish manager Rafael Benitez gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park...

The Guardian claim Newcastle United are one of four Premier League sides interested in signing Rennes striker Firmin Ndombe Mubele, as goals remain at a premium in Rafa Benitez’s side.

The 23-year-old has been in excellent form for Sabri Lamouchi’s side, scoring five goals in just 12 Ligue 1 starts including a brace against Dijon and two in his last three – one of those finding the net against Paris Saint-Germain.

Mubele, who has 43 caps for the Democratic Republic of Congo, boasts bags of speed and although he is recognised as a centre-forward, he can also play on both flanks if needed.

Paris Saint-Germain's Italian midfielder Marco Verratti (L) vies with Rennes' Congolese forward Firmin Mubele (R) during the French L1 football match between Rennes (Stade Rennais FC) and...

The report claims Newcastle are joined by AFC Bournemouth, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion in tracking the speed machine, with £10million said to be enough to land his signature.

Mubele only joined Rennes in January 2017 from Qatar outfit Al-Ahli, as he was seen as a replacement to Ousmane Dembele who signed for Borussia Dortmund before moving to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Rennes' Congolese forward Firmin Mubele Ndombe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Rennes (Stade Rennais FC) and Paris Saint Germain (PSG), on...

Aleksander Mitrovic is expected to leave Newcastle in the near future, while summer signing Joselu has managed just three goals all season. Dwight Gayle has been in and out of form, while injury has also hampered his progress.

It leaves Benitez with a need to sign a striker and Mubele’s attacking tenacity and pace could be just the added threat the Toon need to steer clear of relegation.