Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Alvaro Morata this summer.

The Lowdown: Summer rebuild

The St. James' Park outfit look set to kick start their summer business as the club confirmed the completion of Matt Targett's permanent move from Aston Villa, following his loan spell in the North East last season.

With the riches that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium have at their disposal, he will almost certainly not be the only arrival on Tyneside before the window shuts.

The Latest: Morata eyed

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Magpies have now made 'initial contact' over the potential signing of Morata, who is set to return to Atletico Madrid after his loan spell at Juventus ends.

The Old Lady would be interested in a permanent deal, but have not been able to agree on a fee with Atletico, while Arsenal and FC Barcelona are also thought to be interested in his signature.

The Verdict: Avoid

Morata is 29 years of age now, and so signing him for a big fee would come as a huge risk.

Yes, the Spain international has had a stellar career, winning the UEFA Champions League on two separate occasions with Real Madrid as well as many other accolades (Transfermarkt), but he has not always been the most prolific, evident by his time in English football before with Chelsea, where he only managed one goal every three games.

He does still have his qualities, after all, Juve manager Max Allegri claims that he is 'one of the best in Europe at a technical level', but for the long-term project, the Toon are better off going for a younger and hungrier striker to lead the line for the next few campaigns.

In other news, find out which six-foot-one gem NUFC are now 'pursuing' here!