Newcastle desperately require a striker and Llorente could be available.
Newcastle United’s search for a striker is set to continue right until the wire as they fail in moves for Feyenoord target man Nicolai Jorgensen and Liverpool’s prolific left-footer Daniel Sturridge.
Rafa Benitez is desperate to bring in a new attacking spearhead at St. James’ Park, with Joselu struggling to provide the goalscoring form required while Dwight Gayle’s inconsistency is a cause for concern.
Aleksander Mitrovic’s future on Tyneside remains in doubt, leaving the Toon in desperate need for a proven Premier League goalscorer that can find the back of the net regularly – even with chances at a premium.
It should see Benitez turn his attention to another Spaniard in Fernando Llorente, as the Tottenham Hotspur powerhouse continues to be linked with a move across London to Chelsea.
The Sun claim Antonio Conte’s side will turn to the former Juventus striker in order to form a reunion between manager and player, if Chelsea cannot secure a deal to sign Olivier Giroud from Arsenal.
However, 32-year-old Llorente may feel that his time as back-up to Harry Kane at Tottenham is something he does not want to do again. This season, he has managed just two goals in 23 outings.
It is a shadow of his 2016-17 form, which saw him almost single handedly keep Swansea in the Premier League with 15 goals in 35 games. Llorente knows how to find the back of the net in a side that are struggling to create chances.
At Newcastle, then, Llorente can reignite his career with the backing of the vociferous St. James’ Park crowd, as he would instantly become first choice. It would also see him join a large Spanish contingent on Tyneside – Javier Manquillo, Joselu, Mikel Merino, Jesus Gamez and Benitez himself would help him feel at home.
Newcastle have already shown they can spend big this week after having two eight-figure bids rejected for Jorgensen. Llorente would not be as expensive, after joining Spurs for £12million and failing to impress since.
In most areas, then, Llorente would be the perfect signing at Newcastle.
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