Newcastle United need a new forward and the Russia international looks to be moving on this summer.
It is no secret that Newcastle United need a reliable new striker if they want to kick on next season but, with a frugal owner and limited funds, Magpies boss Rafa Benitez has a challenge on his hands to build a squad capable of returning the club to their glory days.
The Spaniard has done a remarkable job thus far but it is now time to go that extra yard, and targeting a player long linked with a move to the Premier League would be a great start.
According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Fedor Smolov was eyeing a move to West Ham United, before the London Evening Standard claimed the Hammers had no interest in the prolific front man. But whatever the situation, Newcastle would be wise to throw their hat into the ring this side of the World Cup.
In short, if Benitez signed the 28-year-old and he maintained his recent form, Smolov could be the best striker to pull on a Newcastle shirt since Alan Shearer.
It is a bold statement, and one that may be quickly dismissed by some Magpies fans, yet few strikers in Europe have excelled as Smolov has in recent years.
The Krasnodar forward has found the net 63 times in 98 appearances for the Russian club and is his country’s great hope for success on home soil this summer.
If Smolov adds to his 12 international goals at the World Cup, his price tag is only going to rise but, if Newcastle act quickly they could secure a player who will take St James’ Park by storm.
With his contract running out in 2019, Smolov could be signed for a relatively cheap fee in today’s otherwise inflated market. But only time will tell if Mike Ashley will sanction a move for a striker with all the attributes required to be a Newcastle hero.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
