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Report: Newcastle United would have signed Islam Slimani if they’d stayed up

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez (REUTERS)
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Newcastle United had new Leicester City forward Islam Slimani on their wishlist, if they remained if they had remained in the Premier League.

According to a report in the Chronicle, Newcastle United had planned to sign Islam Slimani if they had stayed in the Premier League.

Rafael Benitez had drawn up a list of transfer targets prior to Newcastle’s relegation, with Slimani near the top of his wishlist.

However, the Magpies’ relegation meant that it was no longer feasible to bring in the powerful forward – and he ended up moving to Leicester City.

Leicester City's Islam Slimani celebrates scoring their first goal

Newcastle had to look elsewhere to bolster their squad for the Championship campaign, with Benitez generally bringing in players with experience of playing in the second tier.

Newcastle added well over the transfer window, with Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle and Isaac Hayden amongst the new signings to impress at St. James’ Park so far.

Leicester City's Islam Slimani in action with Club Brugge's Stefano Denswil

Benitez’s side have made a wonderful start to life in the Championship, and appear to be living up to their billing as favourites to win the division.

Newcastle already appear set to be playing Premier League football next season, after winning their last eight matches in all competitions.

Newcastle are next in action after the international break, when they take on Leeds United at Elland Road.

Sporting's Islam Slimani celebrates his goal against Pazos Ferreira